PLANS to demolish a pub in a Selby village have been condemned by councillors and residents.

Enterprise Inns applied to Selby District Council to demolish the Bay Horse pub in Barlby and build 13 houses in its place, but plans were refused in January after a 600-signature petition was handed to the authority.

The planning committee also said there was no evidence to show the pub was not a viable business, and no local alternatives were available, but the plans were resubmitted after the New Inn reopened nearby.

At a planning meeting, the committee was split on the decision, before the casting vote of chairman Councillor Jim Deans meant the demolition will go ahead.

Councillor Steph Duckett campaigned to save the Bay Horse, and called it "the hub of the village".

She said: "The village hasn’t got a village hall so most of the community and family events are held at the pub, from celebrating the birth of a new baby to wakes for the passing of a loved one and every thing in between. The pub has numerous clubs and societies who are based there. The loss of the pub will tear the heart out of the village."

Louise McCarthy, who lives in York Road, said the community was angry at the decision, which saw hundreds of people object to it, and the fact they could not appeal it. She also said the New Inn was not a similar facility, as the Bay Horse was home to pool, darts and football teams.

She said: "The community is disgusted with Selby District Council, they haven't taken any notice of any of the objections we have put in.

"The council should be absolutely disgusted with themselves. We're voting for them to work for us and they say they are 'An Excellent Council', but they don't listen to anybody in the community."

Councillor Steve Shaw-Wright called the decision "a sad day for the village".

He said: "Not only is it a sad day for the village of Barlby but it’s a warning for all village pubs in the district that have land that could be developed for housing, I fear for the future of village pubs - no matter how successful they could be in the sights of absentee owners."