Decision deferred on historic house

A decision on whether one of a village's few remaining large Victorian buildings can be demolished has been deferred.

Heritage Oak Developments was refused permission for two five-bedroomed homes on the site of the house, known as Little Champson, in Roxall Close, Blakedown, near Stourbridge, in February.

But the property is under threat again because the developers have scaled down their plans and now want to demolish it to make way for two four-bedroomed homes.

Residents and parish councillors have objected to the latest application and say that the property dates back to the 1800s and should be retained.

However, their hopes that English Heritage would step in and put the Victorian property on the Listed Buildings Register have been dashed because officials say they do not consider the building worthy of placing on the register. Churchill and Blakedown Parish Council have told members of Wyre Forest District Council's planning and development control committee that the footprint of the two proposed properties would be the same as the development refused earlier this year.

Local villager Penny Carlton has said residents are concerned because "a very beautiful building" could be lost. Council officials have recommended approval and a decision is now expected to be made next month.