A village pub which once claimed to be the smallest in the country looks unlikely to ever pour a pint again.

A year-long planning saga finally came to an end last night as Tonbridge and Malling borough councillors approved an application to turn The Little Gem, Aylesford, into a house.

There may be a glimmer of hope for the 12th century High Street building as the owner James O’Callaghan said he would still talk to potential landlords.

Although Cllr Mike Parry-Waller, chairman of the area three planning committee, said it is unlikely to ever reopen as a pub.

He said: "The owner is a reasonable man and said he will speak to people if they want to make an offer.

"He's been trying to sell it for six years and I don't think it would ever open as a pub again. It's just not big enough."

He added traditionally the building has always been a dwelling and only got a licence in the 70s.

The plan came to light early last year and was met with fierce opposition from residents, with more than 4,500 people signing a petition to stop development.

Despite this the parish council raised no objection to the plan and the proposal was recommended for approval.

A linked application to make minor alterations to the front of the listed premises was also approved.