Following a campaign by the pub's locals, together with the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), officials at Eastleigh Borough Council have asked for the plans to be re-submitted for listed building consent.

As part of major works to extend the kitchen and staff facilities, the pub's owners, Hall & Woodhouse, had planned to rip out the two existing bars and replace them with a new single bar in another part of the building.

This, say locals, would have resulted in the complete destruction of the pub's character and traditional feel, as well as the loss of an old flagstone floor and real fire in the back bar.

The front room of the pub - it faces out onto the river - would have had its bar completely removed, destroying its atmosphere.

The Jolly Sailor was built in 1713 and has been a pub since 1845. Visitors arriving on foot would work up a thirst descending delicately down the extremely steep pathway, with the reverse trip up at the end of an evening - with a skinful on board - often proving an overwhelming factor.