Milton Keynes Council approves John Lewis plan

A controversial plan to extend a Grade II listed store in Buckinghamshire has been approved.

Milton Keynes Council unanimously agreed to John Lewis' application to extend its Middleton Hall store into the centre:mk.

English Heritage had said the £20m development would affect the building's architectural significance.

Liberal Democrat councillor Mike Galloway said: "On balance, a listing does not mean changes can't be made."

Construction is due to start in spring 2012 and is expected to take seven months.