DEVELOPERS have lodged an appeal after controversial plans to bulldoze a pub at the heart of a Hampshire community were thrown out.

Taylor Grey Homes is challenging a decision taken by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA), which rejected a proposal to replace the Silver Hind in Station Road, Sway, with housing.

The application was turned down two months ago after sparking more than 80 objections.

Protest letters started pouring in after the Christchurch-based company submitted proposals to build three properties on the site.

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

But the 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 said: “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 Silver Hind was formerly the award-winning Nurse’s Cottage, a B&B run by former radio presenter Tony Barnfield. He retired in 2011 and sold the business to Carol and Andy Cottingham, who converted the building into a pub and restaurant.

A statement issued at the time said: “By opening the Silver Hind their plan is to give the village back its local pub.”

Cllr Barry Rickman, leader of New Forest District Council and chairman of Sway Parish Council, said it appeared to be well supported by villagers and visitors to the area.

But Taylor Grey described the business as “unviable”.

The NPA confirmed that the applicant had lodged an appeal but was unable to provide any further details. A company spokesman was unavailable for comment.