A TREASURED pub has been saved by just one vote after neighbours rallied round to launch a campaign to save it.

Developers wanted to call time on the Pack Horse in Manchester Road, Bury, by converting it into five shops and a takeaway with four two-bedroom flats above.

But 160 neighbours objected and, at a Town Hall meeting, Bury planning committee rejected the plan by six votes to five.

Susan Taylor, of Heaton Fold, said: “Though not of all of the residents drank there, everyone recognises it as a part of our heritage as it has featured in many historical photographs of Bury.”

The pub, with its distinctive arch-windowed fascia, is seen as an important landmark of the town as it has been a meeting place for decades.

It is near Gigg Lane and was a popular haunt for supporters of Bury FC and FC United of Manchester.

However, the Pack Horse fell on hard times in 2009 and, after a failed relaunch, closed for good last summer.

Developer Yasmin Sharif said he hoped to revitalise the building. Some 142 people signed a petition started by Fishpool Residents Association calling on the committee to block the proposal.

And a further 18 people living in Heaton Fold sent their own petition to the council.

At the meeting, Mrs Taylor, said: “Parking is already bad, especially on football matchdays. People park on the double yellow lines.

“I am sorry to say it, but even members of the committee parked on double yellow lines when they went to visit the site.”

No parking spaces were set aside for the development Cllr Tony Cummings said: “These days, young people renting flats have cars and there is nowhere to park.

“We would be adding to the strain.”

Cllr Roy Walker added: “Allowing this would be allowing overdevelopment of the area.”

Mr Sharif could either appeal against the decision, press ahead with parts of the development which do not require planning permission, or come up with another plan.