Isle of Wight Council Deputy Leader George Brown said "I welcome the fact that the application to construct a Waitrose store in East Cowes has been approved.
"Much like the Vestas R&D plant application, this demonstrates that the council is determined to work with developers and the local community to regenerate parts of the Island and attract new business and employment opportunities.
"The Island will now get another major brand name which will undoubtedly boost the economy both in East Cowes and across the Island, as well as bringing in much needed employment during both the construction and operating phases"