Giant café chain Costa Coffee has been given the go ahead to open in Moseley Village – despite fierce objections from locals who say it will ruin the character of the shopping area.

The suburb is known for its preference for independent shops, pubs and businesses and the announcement that Costa was eyeing the site was greeted with outrage on social media.

But the council's planning committee was unanimous in backing the plans to convert the vacant former Barclays Bank building in St Mary’s Row into a cafe.

Committee member Coun Gareth Moore (Con Erdington) said: “I know this application has been controversial in Moseley. I doubt there would have been the same opposition if it were an independent coffee shop.

“At least Costa Coffee do pay their taxes,” he added.

The committee can only decide whether the building can be converted into a coffee shop - not which brand or operator runs it.

Objectors had pointed out that a local planning policy for Moseley sought to encourage independent retailers to the area but planning officials said this was a guide and did not rule out major retailers.

They also complained it would be the seventh coffee shop in the area and, when announced, the scheme brought howls of protest on social media.

Jane Taylor posted on Facebook: "That's not going to be popular with the locals, they want to keep their independent coffee shops alive.”

In September, the Prince of Wales pub launched a Keep Moseley Special campaign against the arrival of the Boston Tea Party chain to the area.