Morrisons is the front runner for a new supermarket development on the site of a historic pub in Gravesend.

A planning application for the old Prince of Wales pub in East Milton Road was approved - with conditions - at a Gravesham Council meeting on Wednesday (April 9).

Morrisons has submitted a tender but has not yet been confirmed as taking on the site.

More housing will also be build to accompany the supermarket on the site, which is next to the Grade II-listed St Peter and St Paul’s Parish Church.

English Heritage had raised concerns about the plan but not raised a formal objection.

A spokesman told News Shopper: "Although we raised concerns about how the new supermarket might affect St Peter and St Paul's Church, which is next to the planned development and  Grade II-listed, we did not wish to make a formal objection.

"The council had the final decision and we are confident it can ensure the design of the development minimises harm to the church."

The application was approved but subject to a 106 agreement, which requires a developer to help offset the effects of a development, and conditions.

The rector of the church told News Shopper last week he thought housing would be useful but a store would be less desirable for the area.

Rector Graham Herbert said: "It will be good to see the derelict site developed and made useful.

"I think providing housing would be a higher priority than getting a retailer in as there are already a lot of shops."

The Gravesham Council planning document describes the "erection of a three storey building" with six flats, retail shops and a two-storey terrace of four three-bedroom houses.

Visit gravesham.gov.uk/democracy