THE last pints have been pulled at a village pub which a parish council tried to save from conversion into two homes.

At the fourth attempt, developers have won their battle to call time on the Three Horsehoes in the Main Street, at Great Ouseburn, between Knaresborough and York.

It was only a one-vote majority by councillors to approve the pub scheme, after an hour-long discussion at the Knaresborough area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council.

Councillors voted by four votes to three for the development after attempts had been made to turn down the application. Conditions were imposed which included parking arrangements on the site.

The approval follows a spirited fight by the parish council to save the pub, and itleaves the village with only one pub, The Crown.

Earlier, there had been plans for three homes on the site, but these were scaled down after protests.

Planning officers had recommended approval, believing conversion would not harm village life.

The parish council was keen to provide choice for villagers, with the advantage of competition. It pointed out the Three Horseshoes had thrived in the past, providing employment for local people.