Villagers' hopes of getting a butchers have been dashed - despite a petition signed by 1,100 people backing the move.

Sam Spencer, whose family has been in the meat trade for three generations, was hoping to open in a shop in Martin Square, Larkfield, which is owned by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC).

The authority received proposals from a number of businesses to move in to the unit, including a tanning salon, greengrocers and the butchers, but opted to go with a veterinary practice.

Mr Spencer initially brought the idea forward in a Facebook post in November and set up a petition in May after his initial plans were rejected.

In his petition he wrote: "We are trying to set up a traditional family butchers that would serve the local community fresh and affordable produce in Martin Square, Larkfield.

"We are a local family with children that attend the local school, and butchering has been in our family for three generations and we would like to continue this skilled trade.

"We are saddened to have been rejected for this venture after putting in a lot of hard work behind the scenes and we believe this is what our community needs."

But now the butchers will have to look elsewhere.

The proposal went before TMBC's cabinet last Tuesday and the decision announced two days later.

Following the meeting, Mr Spencer said: "We regret to announce that the council has made its decision and won't be using the shop in Martin Square as a family-run butchers.

"Despite all our efforts, and everyone's signatures (1,117 at the time of writing) which unfortunately was not enough, we were told on the day prior to the meeting we needed 1,500 to be considered as a formal discussion with a cabinet leader.

"We would like to thank everyone for their support, it's humbling to know you were all backing us.

'A butchers would have made Martin Square a place to shop. I very rarely go there'

"The business to take over will be shown soon I'm sure but we wish them luck whatever it is."

Regardless of the decision Mr Spencer has been inundated with support from people expressing their desire for a butchers in the area.

Responding to his posts, Emma Archer-Simms said: "The public want a butchers and we’re not listened to again! So sorry about this, hope you find another premises."

Hilary Stott said: "This is very sad it would have been so nice to see some of the small businesses come back again. Better be something worthwhile."

Yvonne Schuiling said: "I’m so sorry to hear this. A butchers would have made Martin Square a place to shop. I very rarely go there."

A spokesperson from TMBC said: "Cabinet agreed in principle to grant the lease for 29 Martin Square to a veterinary practice. As this was a part two report, much of the detail is commercially sensitive and confidential."

Cllr for Larkfield South, Timothy Bishop (Lib Dem), said: "The council looked at plans for a 20-year lease on the unit and thought it would be a good opportunity for the area.

"Other businesses were looking into leasing the unit including a butchers, tanning salon and greengrocers.

"But to have a vets which comes with a good track record from Meopham, and them wanting to take out such a long lease, seemed like a good opportunity."