VILLAGERS have called it “incredible” after a council thwarted a developer’s plans to build a convenience store on part of their pub.

A total of 500 people objected plans to change the beer garden of the Eagle in Galleywood into a huge Co-Op store.

Objections included increased traffic, noise, pollution, three Co-Op being close by, and the imminent threat to the pub’s future.

Residents argued the Stock Road pub’s beer garden is a critical asset to attract punters, and its loss would mean a decline in guests.

Kim Butler, from Galleywood, is one tireless campaigner who fought to keep the supermarket giant at bay.

The 50-year-old said: “We are all so happy, it’s brilliant to know we can continue supporting the pub and drinking in the pub.

“Me and Karen Harmer have worked about 1,600 hours on this campaign, and to see that hard work pay-off is amazing. It has been colossal.

The council’s crunch talks, which took place in the Civic Centre on Wednesday (January 19), have been described as “bizarre.”

Votes had to be recounted three times before the plans were thrown out, with councillors objecting in favour by just one vote.

Later this year a meeting will be held to discuss the terms of the refusal.

The developer will have the chance to appeal.

Mrs Butler, who has been visiting the Eagle for 13 years, continued: “It was bizarre, at first it was agreed the plans would go ahead, but a member of the public pointed out there had been a miscount.

“Then it turned out we won by one vote. It was surprising.”

“Now we are all just waiting to see what the developer does next.

“I want to say thank you to everyone who got behind us, and I’d like to give a special mention to the Parish Council, which has been amazing.”