The currently empty Cole Flatt and Partners building in Tring High Street will now become a franchise for the well-known coffee chain.

A meeting of Dacorum Borough Council's development control committee was handed two petitions – one of 201 signatures for the move and another of 324 against.

Residents are concerned about the arrival of a second big name brand in the town after Marks and Spencer, damage to existing businesses, and increased traffic.

Councillor Derek Townsend told the meeting: "There are three or four smaller shops, none as big as Costa, struggling to survive.

"I know I have to accept Costa Coffee has to be there but the 324 people who signed that are worried it will close the others."

However, councillors decided to grant a change of use for the premises to allow the coffee shop to open.

Committee chairman Richard Roberts said: "I do hope this brings more people into the High Street and the other businesses hang in there."