LANDLORDS who planned to convert their pub into a house, only to be refused permission, have had their appeal against the decision thrown out.

Planning inspector Richard McCoy said that if the plan for the Wishing Well Inn was approved, the village of Great Langton, near Northallerton, would lose a vital community facility.

Neville and Elizabeth Boynton closed the pub in 2004 saying it was not viable. Villagers mounted a campaign to save the inn, which had previously been used as a polling station and for parish council meetings. They also submitted a petition to the inspector in support of the pub.

The Boyntons offered up accounts demonstrating a loss during their last year of trade.

They argued that the village population of about 100 was too small to support the pub.

They also said the impact of foot-and-mouth on the agricultural industry had affected trade, that the village bus services were infrequent and the site's location reduced the level of passing trade.

But Mr McCoy noted that the Boyntons had received several offers to buy the pub, including two over the asking price.

He said there was a lack of other community facilities in the village, such as a church, public hall, primary school, convenience store or post office and it was clear that the existing use of the pub should continue.

When asked about the dismissal of the appeal, Mrs Boynton declined to comment.

Hambleton district councillor Brian Phillips, the ward member for Great Langton, said: "I am delighted that the appeal has been thrown out. As ward member for that area, I do not want to see a reduction in village services and really that is the last community-based service in Great Langton at the present time.

"I think it could still play a good community role and provide somebody with a living as a business.

"I just hope that it does return to being a working public house as soon as possible."