PLANNERS have voted to give national pub chain D Wetherspoon permission for a new night spot in Richmond, despite protests from local landlords.

Both the old sorting office and the counter service of Richmond Post Office, which overlooks Queen's Road, will have to relocate to make way for the development.

Existing publicans, already battling with dwindling trade, claim the number of pubs in Richmond is already at saturation point.

Calculations suggest there is a pub for every 75 people who live within a half-mile radius of the town centre.

There is also concern Wetherspoon's reputation for cut-price promotions could lead to more late-night violence in the town centre.

But Richmondshire District Council's planning committee approved Wetherspoon's application on Tuesday, with strict conditions.

After the meeting the current Mayor of Richmond, Coun John Harris, said: "I do regret this building is going to become a pub because it extends the public house area out into a part of Richmond that has been quiet and free of pubs.''