AN ancient law dating back to Norman times has partly scuppered plans to build a new village hall in Garway.

The village is in desperate need of a new community centre but a controversial application to build on the common has split the close-knit community in two.

On one side are the conservationists who point to the loss of foliage and common land, which is protected by rules that date back before the Domesday Book, which was completed in 1086.

On the other side are the parish council and the hall's various users, who insist a new community building is a must as the current building is little more than a tin shack.

But last week the decision finally went the way of the protesters as the Secretary of State refused the application following a lengthy inquiry.

The decision to refuse permission for the new centre and car park, west of Skenfrith Road, has delighted opponents who pointed to the loss of open space and the "urbanisation" of the common land Campaigner Edgar Powell claimed the majority of villagers were against the plans.

"The community was very much divided on this, but the majority of the public in the village felt it was dreadful," said Mr Powell.

"Commons have a far longer history than listed buildings and they are part of our heritage, so we should do what we can to protect them."

Herefordshire Council approved the plan in October 2005 but any application to build on common land needs the Secretary of State's permission.

David Atkinson, a former Garway Parish Council chairman, said on Wednesday that he was "disappointed" with the outcome and would consider other options.