A historic building linked to an 18th Century canal in Wantage could be demolished as part of a developer’s plans.

Barratt Thames Valley wants to knock down the Sack House, at Smith’s Wharf and replace it with a stone wall.

The Sack Hiring Company office — part of the industry transporting flour from Wantage’s mill along the Berkshire and Wiltshire Canal — was protected by a planning condition imposed by the Vale of White Horse District Council when Smith’s Wharf was developed into housing more than four years ago.

However, the developer claims the building is in too bad a state of repair to be kept.

Babs Collyer, who has lived next to the building for the past 27 years, has objected because she wants the historic building preserved.

The 69-year-old said: “It’s one of the few things remaining that suggest there was a wharf in that part of Wantage.

“It really is quite an artefact and it’s a shame to get rid of that, as everything else that showed the canal used to be here has gone.”

Neighbour Helen Bailey, 61, said: “It seems ludicrous to just let things deteriorate like that and then pull it down. It’s our heritage disappearing really.

“It’s very important to the town, it’s a historical market town and you can’t go around pulling down historical buildings.”

Vale of White Horse District Council spokesman Gavin Walton confirmed a protection order was made when Smith’s Wharf was redeveloped.

He said: “This condition was put in place to safeguard the buildings, which were felt made a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the area.”

He said planning officers would consider whether the demolition of the Sack House was justified and report to the planning committee.

A decision could be taken by councillors next month.

Wantage’s mayor Patrick O’Leary said: “Certainly people want to retain it, as with that sort of thing you don’t go back.”

Jonathan Miller, technical director at Barratt Thames Valley, said a plaque could be put up to highlight the historical significance of the site.

He added: “This small building is in a very poor state and deemed beyond economic repair.”