A new shop in Long Hanborough has been given the go-ahead without the need for a public inquiry because councillors have approved plans for smaller premises.

The Co-op wanted to demolish its single-storey shop in Main Road, Long Hanborough and replace it with a building almost twice the size.

Last November West Oxfordshire District Council's planning committee refused the application on the grounds the proposed building would restrict views across the Evenlode Valley.

The Co-op appealed and a public inquiry was due start in November. But the supermarket chain has withdrawn its appeal after the council approved a design for a smaller shop.

The original plans in- cluded three flats above the store but these have now been removed.

Hanborough Parish Council supported the application and said it was disappointed the flats would not be built.

In a letter to the planning committee it said: "The application is widely supported both by local residents of the parish and adjoining local parish councils.

"The parish council regrets the loss of the provision of three flats shown in that application -- they would have provided much-needed accommodation of that type in the parish."

District councillor Gareth Epps is glad the plans have finally got the green light.

He said: "I'm delighted this has been approved because it means substantially better, more accessible retail facilities for Hanborough and the surrounding villages.

"I would have preferred not to have had the delay, but I'm glad the committee has come round to the view of the local community."

The new shop will have parking spaces for 15 cars to deter people from parking on the side of the road.

Richard Holmes, of the Oxford, Swindon & Gloucester Co-op, said: "We've had terrific local support for our proposals and we thank everyone who backed us."

The store should be open by Easter next year.