A plan to convert the site of a pub into a number of apartments has been turned down.
And the decision raises hopes among campaigners it can be transformed into a community hub.
Calderdale Council has refused the application to turn the Holy Well Inn, in Holywell Green, near Elland, into six apartments.
There were 77 objections to the proposal, with many hoping the pub can be reopened and used as a focal point in the village.
Chris Gale, who owns the pub, had submitted the application. He bought the site in June 2011 and the pub closed in January 2012, and “there was not sufficient custom to justify continuing to trade and the public house was not economically viable”.
Since then Mr Gale has sought consent for residential use but each time has faced opposition from residents, who have previously won the right to list the pub as an asset of community value.
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The Holywell Inn Action Group hopes the latest council refusal will increase its chance of buying the pub so it can be reopened as a community asset.
Group chairman John Walsh said: “We are pleased with the decision and hope this may lead to a way forward.”
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Mr Gale has said he won’t accept less than £160,000 for the pub, but the campaigners believe its value is much less. They are raising funds towards their target, and hope Mr Gale will consider selling at a reduced price.
The group has staged numerous events to raise money, including a music festival at Elland Golf Club, and has many more lined up.
Mr Walsh said: “Our fundraising is on going, and we have people paying into a monthly share subscription.
“We want to bring about an outcome that is best for the village. Mr Gale knows where we are and if he wants to engage with us we are always willing.”
