CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save their local pub are celebrating after an application to transform the building into a private house was thrown out.

Plans to change the Drovers Inn in Gussage All Saints into residential accommodation came before East Dorset District Council's planning committee on Tuesday.

If approved, the proposals would have seen the pub transformed into a single dwelling with a garage.

But villagers living near to the pub - who have been battling to save the pub since it suddenly closed last year - mounted a spirited counter-campaign, and councillors decided against the submission.

Treasurer of the Save the Drovers campaign group Mal Madell said "common sense has prevailed" after councillors had their say on the proposals.

"They turned down the planning application that has been the subject of much interest and discussion over the past six months, declaring that there was insufficient evidence to support Marstons Brewery’s claim that the business was not viable," she said.

"The Gussage Community Benefit Society will now focus on the job in hand, which is to buy and refurbish the freehold of the pub and recruit an experienced tenant to run the business."

Campaigners dream of making the Drovers a 'great traditional country pub".

Mal said: “We want to regain its reputation of being the favourite 'destination' pub it used to be. "Situated in the Cranborne Chase, it was always popular with walkers, riders and cyclists, and people came just for a peaceful visit to sit and enjoy the view. It’s great for families away from the hustle and bustle of town life.”

A spokesperson from the district council said: "The application was refused as per the officer recommendations.

"It was felt that the applicant hadn’t examined all options for it to continue profitably as a pub – a feasibility study had shown that it could be viable if operated in a different way from previously."

Campaigners' top priority now is to raise the funds needed to buy the property, and community shares are being offered to help finance it.

Already, £120,000 has been pledged ahead of the July 5 deadline.

A long- term bank loan has been agreed in principle for the balance.

Residents are to gather at the village hall in Gussage All Saints to celebrate tomorrow with a live performance by band Repeat Offenders.

Proceeds from the £7.50 admission fee are to be donated to the campaign, and all are welcome to attend.

To become a shareholder, visit droversinngussage.com