A vacant Royston shop is set to be turned into a one-bedroom flat.

North Herts District Council’s planning committee has voted to allow change of use for 47-49 Royston High Street, from Class A1 (retail) to residential.

Royston Town Council opposed the move on the grounds that it didn’t want to see retail space in the High Street used for housing.

However, planning officers from the district council recommended that it be approved.

The unit, a former clothes shop, has been empty for five years. In 2011, permission was granted to change the shop to Class A3 (restaurant/café) but the owners were unable to find a new tenant.

In her report, planning officer Gill Claxton said: “On balance, the scheme is considered acceptable having regard to the particular circumstances of the site; the need to bring this vacant Listed Building back into active use and the extant planning permission which would allow the loss of a retail unit to a restaurant/café.”

The committee voted to approve the plans at its meeting last Thursday.