A HISTORIC building linked to an 18th-century canal at Wantage has been saved from demolition.

Barratt Thames Valley wanted to knock down the Sack House, on the Wharf, and replace it with a stone wall.

But planning officers at the Vale of White Horse District Council refused permission.

A council spokesman said: “The application was refused because the building is considered to be important within the conservation area and to the history of Wantage. A condition attached to the Wharf development to ensure that the building was made structurally sound was not complied with.”

The Sack Hiring Company office — used to organise the transport of flour from Wantage mill along the Berkshire and Wiltshire canal — was protected by the condition when approval was given for Smith’s Wharf to be developed for housing more than four years ago.

Babs Collyer, who has lived next to the building for 27 years, objected to the demolition plans and wants the historic building preserved.

She said: “I am glad, really pleased.

“It’s part of the old heritage and it’s important to show that there was a wharf here and the connections with the mill.

“Everything is becoming new and if we are not careful, there won’t be any of the character of the town left.”

Neighbour Helen Bailey, of Mill Street, said: “I am pleased to hear the application has been rejected. It is important to keep the Sack House because of the history behind it and it is located in part of a conservation area.”

Wantage Town Council also strongly objected to demolition.

A spokesman for Barratt Thames Valley was unavailable to comment.