PLANNING permission has been granted by Barnsley Council to bring a Marks and Spencer food hall to the town.

The retail giant announced earlier this year that it will close its Queen Street store - ending its 90-year presence in the heart of the town - and is readying a move to Peel Retail Park, on Harborough Hill Road.

It’s part of a strategy to move out of town centres amid changing shopping habits and increasing cost pressures, with Marks and Spencer confirming it will close 32 sites over the next three years.

Plans to create the food hall were submitted to the council earlier this year, before being given the green light this week.