The first floor of a landmark town centre store in Wantage is set to be transformed into an American-themed cocktail bar and restaurant.

Maxwell's, which has restaurants in Oxford and London, is to take over the top floor of the Arbery Centre, in Market Place.

Three unnamed retail chains are said to be vying for the ground-floor space.

The Vale of White Horse District Council this week granted planning permission for the change of use of the first floor from retail to a restaurant, despite concerns building work had started before consent was given.

Last week, builders working on an external staircase were warned by district planning officers to down tools until councillors discussed the application.

The Arbery Centre closed in January. More than 40 antique dealers were moved out to make way for the retail and restaurant development.

David Crossley-Cooke, a former director of Cedarstar Ltd, which owns the building, confirmed Maxwell's was behind the restaurant project, but would not disclose which store chains were keen on the ground floor.

He said: "One of them would be really good for Wantage."

Councillor Joyce Hutchinson said she was concerned about building work starting without permission and the impact on the listed building.

"There are no planning reasons for refusal, but I just feel this project is disregarding planning rules," she said.

Mrs Hutchinson also urged officers to ensure historic internal fittings, which had been removed from the building, were replaced.