A Kentish Town pub was last night saved from closure after residents staged a protest on the steps of the Town Hall. More than a hundred supporters of the Torriano, including newsreader Jon Snow, turned out to reject a bid for re-development which they sa

A Kentish Town pub was last night saved from closure after residents staged a protest on the steps of the Town Hall.

More than a hundred supporters of the Torriano, including newsreader Jon Snow, turned out to reject a bid for re-development which they said would spell the end of the much-loved pub.

Owners space UK had wanted to transform the two top floors into flats and turn the basement - currently a venue for theatre and live music - into a kitchen.

But the committee went against their own officers advice and rejected the proposals on the grounds they threatened the future of an important community venue.

Speaking at the meeting Mr Snow said the officers' recommendations showed a "cavalier disregard" for the artistic merits of the building. And he said: "I know of no equivalent that will make up for the loss of this amenity. We lose it at out peril"

Supporters cheered and applauded as seven councillors recorded their vote against the plans.

Mr Snow said: "It's a great day for democracy. We had the same fight with the Pineapple pub and it's the same thing that's happening time and time again.

"People are trying to develop valuable community resources into flats at a time when you can't even get a mortgage anyway.