Brunel icon saved from bulldozer

Dairy Crest say it would still knock down the chimney as it is unsafe

An iconic building designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel has been saved from the threat of demolition.

The atmospheric pumping station at Totnes in Devon was built as part of Brunel's work to expand the railways.

A huge campaign was launched when land owners Dairy Crest said they planned to demolish part of it on safety grounds.

Now English Heritage has granted the building listed status, which means it cannot be knocked down. The council said "people power" had won through.

A Dairy Crest spokeswoman said they had not yet been officially notified of the building's Grade Two listing.

She said the firm had never made a decision to demolish the building but had a responsibility to make it safe.

She said Dairy Crest still intended to demolish an adjoining tower - built in 1935 - because it was unsafe and it would consider what else could be done when it had received the official listing notification.

Enthusiasm and passion for our historic built environment can really influence the decision-making process Richard Gage, South Hams Council

Adam Wilkinson, Secretary of Save Britain's Heritage, which helped lead the campaign, described the listing as "fantastic news."

Richard Gage, Conservation Officer for South Hams District Council, said: "The listing offers these important structures a level of protection which should ensure their long-term future.

"The town of Totnes and the South Hams as a whole will benefit from the retention of these important reminders of mid-19th Century pioneering and innovative technological development.

"The decision to list the buildings reflects what 'people power' can do and how enthusiasm and passion for our historic built environment can really influence the decision-making process."