VILLAGERS have won the first round of the battle to save a Hampshire pub at the heart of the local community.

Controversial plans to bulldoze the Silver Hind in Sway and replace it with housing have been thrown out after sparking more than 80 objections.

Protest letters started pouring in after Taylor Grey Homes submitted proposals to build three properties on the site.

The applicants argued that the proposed development would provide much-needed housing in an area where building land was in short supply.

But the National Park Authority (NPA) described the scheme as cramped and out of character, adding that it would result in the loss of a community facility.

The Silver Hind is opposite the former Forest Heath pub, which has been turned into flats.

The potential loss of another watering hole in the village sparked a flurry of protests from the local parish council and people living near the site.

One letter of objection said: “The Silver Hind is an integral part of Sway.”

Another added: “Why continue to rip the heart out of Sway. The Silver Hind is a very important and apparently successful business offering the only real watering hole in the village.”

Other objectors claimed the scheme would create extra traffic problems as well as adding to the “excessive urbanisation” of the village.

One letter said: “Shops and pubs are being replaced with dwellings. Soon there will be nothing left other than houses.”

The property was formerly the award-winning Nurse’s Cottage, a B&B run by retired radio presenter Tony Barnfield. He retired in 2011 and sold the business to Carol and Andy Cottingham, who converted the building.

Taylor Grey said the proposed homes would replace an “unviable” business with badly-needed homes.

The company could decide to appeal.