The campaign to stop a Crickhowell pub being bought by a national supermarket was, this week, granted planning permission to convert the building into shops and flats.

The decision opens the way for more than 230 people, mainly local, to complete the purchase of The Corn Exchange pub in Crickhowell High Street.

The group has invested over half a million pounds to buy and convert the building, preventing it being turned into a supermarket.

Campaigners feared it would damage other family-run businesses nearby and destroy the ‘unique character’ of the town.

The purchase was conditional on planning permission being granted for the building of three shops and three flats. Brecon Beacons National Park Authority’s planning committee gave its approval on Tuesday this week.

After the planning meeting, Dean Christy, managing director of Corn Exchange Crickhowell Ltd, said, “This is a giant leap forward. Without planning permission our purchase of The Corn Exchange could not have gone ahead.

Mr Christy praised the owner of the pub, Punch Taverns Ltd, which had submitted plans to convert the Grade II listed pub into a convenience store, but withdrew them once they realised the scale of local opposition.

The pub chain then worked with the group team to help secure planning for the alternative scheme.

Mr Christy said, “Punch Taverns recognised the uniqueness of Crickhowell High Street and have been incredibly patient and supportive while the design and planning process has been going on.

“It is not always easy, or possible, for big companies to balance the interests of their shareholders, whose focus is on returns and who would not want to see a building stand empty, with the desires of a community like Crickhowell. But they have done it and should be commended for doing so.”

Mr Christy added, “We must of course not forget the real stars of this phenomenal initiative and these are our shareholders. They invested their hard earned cash and, most importantly, put their faith in a small group of people they had never met or knew anything about.

“What is even more extraordinary is their incredible patience since the initiative started. I would like to assure them that our small management team has and always will look after their interests and the character of Crickhowell.”

Corn Exchange Crickhowell Ltd hopes to complete the purchase of The Corn Exchange by the end of October, with the hope of completion by autumn next year.