It has been a case of third time lucky for pub chain JD Wetherspoon which has been granted planning permission to transform a former furniture store in the centre of Helston into its latest food and drink outlet which, it is claimed, will draw “significant vitality” to the town.

Cornwall Council has approved the application under delegated powers, but as yet it is not known when work will start or when people will be able to enjoy their first pint at the new pub.

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon told the Packet: “We are pleased that we have been granted planning permission for our site in Helston. At present we do not have any on site or opening dates.

“We are very keen to open our new pub in Helston and believe it will be a great asset to the town.”

The pub giant had withdrawn two previous applications for the former Oliver and Son building in Coinagehall Street after they prompted objections, but its third set of plans received the back of both Helston Town Council and Cornwall Council’s planning case officer.

Laura Potts said in her report: “It is acknowledged that the proposal results in the loss of a shop in the town centre, however, it is considered that whilst this is undesirable, the replacement with a popular chain like JD Wetherspoon will draw a significant vitality to the town – offering in the region of 65 new full time jobs for the town.”

The amendments which led to consent being granted included the relocation of the roof terrace and a new “glass box”

extension in the central courtyard which will have the roof terrace above.

There was also the proposed demolition of the freestanding 1960s building to the rear to form a small courtyard or beer garden and bin storage area which will be enclosed with acoustic screening at the rear and the repositioning of the rear gable wall to allow emergency access and for refuge to be removed.

There have been objections from neighbours who are concerned about potential noise, light and smells from the beer garden and roof terrace, over-looking issues, noise from the collection of bottles and claim it will be intimidating having people socialising, often late at night, in the outdoor areas.

However, conditions have been attached to the consent to ensure refuse will only be permitted to the removed from the bin store in the corner of the beer garden between 8am and 6pm and that the opening of the outdoor areas is restricted to between 8am and 10pm, with no amplified or live music allowed in these areas.

In addition, the case officer felt the proposals would actually improve things for those living at Five Wells House. “It is acknowledged that the proposal offers some considerable improvements to Five Wells House including the removal of the two storey 1960's store building which towers above the neighbour’s wall and overshadows their courtyard area,” said Ms Potts.

“Also, the two buildings which project at the rear in close proximity to the boundary are to be set back to allow for an access lane to be created, this will reduce the massing of these buildings on the boundary. These two alterations are significant improvements to the existing enjoyment of Five Wells House.”