Villagers in Ash have won their battle to save a much-loved historic pub from development into a house.

Plans to turn the 15th century Chequer Inn into a house was refused by a planning committee last night (Thursday) as nearly 100 residents turned out to show their support with banners and posters, highlighting the need to save the pub.

The committee unanimously voted to save the pub after seeing the large support it gained from the community.

Matthew Titterton, who has been running the Save the Chequer Inn campaign, said: “What more could a community do to be heard, 100 objections, involvement of MPs, CAMRA, £2,000 raised at the last meeting for a fighting fund, and the pub has been made an asset of community value.

“Losing it would destroy a much loved community asset for ever.”

Sue Chandler, chairman of Dover District Council and Ash resident, also spoke at the meeting to highlight the important part the pub has to play in the community, as the only place for youth club meetings, christenings, and other functions.

However, Tim Fisher, planning consultant on behalf of the applicant, said planning decisions should not be based on nostalgia or emotion.

He said: “This application does not seek closure of the pub, that happened long ago, refusal would not guarantee the return of the pub.”

Mr Fisher said the pub was not a viable business, which met with heckles of “rubbish” from villagers.

In their deliberations, the committee suggested they did not believe the pub had been marketed properly and this was why it was not taken up after the last landlords ran it in late 2013 to early 2014.

Cllr Bill Gardner admitted he had changed his mind through the course of the meeting. He said he had come to the council offices with the opinion of “use it or lose it.”

He said: “We are surrounded by 60 or 70 people who when the pub was open if they went there regularly themselves then the pub would still be open. I think the people of Ash should be given an opportunity to see if it could work.”

Cllr Andrew Richardson echoed this, he said: “It is clear that this pub is valued, I can see that from the level of support in the village. We need to find another way to give the village another chance to make this work.”

Cllr Keith Morris highlighted that it is part of the district council’s manifesto to nurture the community and bring people together.

The decision was followed by cheers and applause from supporters, which have included Great British Bake Off's Paul Hollywood and Dr Foster's Neil Stuke.

The next step for campaigners is to organise another meeting with villagers who have expressed an interest in contributing into buying the pub, and to investigate funding into running a community pub.

They will then attempt to speak with the developer to discuss the future.