A historic cottage is set to be bulldozed after English Heritage ruled it was “not of special architectural or historical interest.”

The Moorings was built in 1621 and is believed to be the oldest house in Benfleet.

The future of the building, in Essex Way, which is not listed, was put in doubt when former owner Ted Cook died last year.

It has since been sold to a developer, who came forward with plans to demolish the cottage and replace it with a new detached house.

Robert Baillie, of St Marys Road, Benfleet, lodged an application with English Heritage for protected status in a bid to save the cottage.

But, a report stated: “Based on the information provided, the Moorings is not of special architectural or historical interest in the national context and does not meet the criteria for designation.

“The significance of the Moorings is appropriately recognised by its inclusion on the local list of undesignated heritage assets of historical and architectural interest.”

The Moorings is the last remaining cottage in a row which is thought to have originally been built to house the poor of the parish.

It was mentioned on the Tithe Map of 1840, drawn up for rural parishes in the mid-19th century.

Mr Baillie, from the Benfleet Downs Preservation Society, said: “I took it upon myself to apply for the preservation of this building.

“The application has been rejected, so the salvation of the oldest dwelling in Benfleet is in jeopardy unless any members of the public, qualified beyond my limitations, can organise a valid reason for its salvation before the 28-day deadline. This piece of our heritage and history will inevitably face the bulldozer.”

Norman Smith, Conservative councillor for Boyce ward, said: “It is a real disappointment as this is one of the oldest buildings in the borough.

“All we can look to do is ensure whatever development is respectful of the area.

“We tried every which way we could to see if there was some way of protecting it, but it appears we have lost the battle.”