A THREE-YEAR battle by Caffe Nero to stay open on Epping High Street has finally been won.

Planning permission for the coffee shop was agreed in principle in August, and was formally granted this week.

Nigel Richardson, the assistant director of housing, told the council's district development control committee that "times had changed" since Caffe Nero first opened, without planning permission, in 2006.

He said although the council would have preferred a shop on the site, the economic climate had worsened and the cafe planned to create a window display to give it a more "retail appearance".

Cllr Richard Morgan said: “This provides an excellent service to the town. It's a very successful business and we don't want any empty shops in Epping High Street.”

Cllr Caroline Pond said: “It seems a shame after all the time and money spent on appeals but I understand the reason why. But just a warning - I hope Epping doesn't get as many cafes as Loughton.”