February 5, 2001 17:09: Marks & Spencer's plans to partly demolish an old building to make way for a new store, have been thwarted after the site was granted listed status.

The Unigate Dairies building in West Wickham, built in 1890, was made a grade II listed building in recognition of the "unique historic interest" of the site. The site was granted listed status following a campaign by local residents. Doug Black, conservation planner at Bromley Council's heritage and urban design unit, said that Marks & Spencer would still be able to apply for listed building consent to demolish the property and redevelop the land, but in the light of the recent listing, this was unlikely.

Mr Black added: "The council is dedicated to the continued use and conservation of these important and historical buildings in our local area."