An historic pub in Rugeley has been saved from closure after its owners won the right to build an apartment block behind it.

Bosses of The Vine Inn, off Sheepfair, said they could only run the business with money generated from creating 16 flats for elderly people.

They submitted a planning application for the apartments to Cannock Chase District Council which was supported by professional planning experts.

But it was turned down by councillors, who were not happy with the scheme, on September 13 last year.

An appeal was lodged on November 10 which won the support of an independent inspector in Bristol last week.

Dave Westwood, aged 53, ran the pub for Punch Taverns before buying it lock, stock and barrel and making it a free house last year.

He has installed his son Oliver as landlord and said it was a big relief to secure the financial future of the pub.

“It assures the pub is saved and we won it in the end,” he said.

Mr Westwood criticised councillors at Cannock Chase Council for ignoring the advice of planning experts in turning down the application.

“We went to great lengths to make sure the application was supported by professional planning people, only for the planning committee to turn it down at the last minute,” he said.

“I don’t think they seem to realise we are a small business that needs to make money, which employs lots of people and pays a lot more taxes than residents. We should be encouraged and not stamped on at every opportunity.”

The Vine dates back to the 1600s and lies within a conservation area. 

The planning committee supported objectors who said the scheme would lead to over-development of the site.