The MBNA development at the Chester Business Park will create up to 3,000 jobs.

The US-based bank already has its European base in the city and is one of the area's major employers.

But protestors have argued the expansion should have been blocked because of the site's green belt status.

The planning application was approved by councillors in March.

But it was forwarded to the North West Government Office and has finally been approved by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

It is thought the new building will be used to expand the bank's credit card and financial services divisions in the city.