Marks & Spencer has been given the go-ahead for a 150,000 sq ft flagship store at Cheshire Oaks, Ellesmere Port.
Plans for the Cheshire store were called in by the secreatary of state in March following objections from several neighbouring authorities.
Following a six-day public inquiry in the summer and an inspector’s report backing the scheme, planning permission was granted yesterday by the communities minister John Denham.
The store – developed by Simons Developments – will be the largest new store built by M&S for more than 10 years.
Work is scheduled to start on site next year, with opening expected in 2012.