THE?HERITAGE minister will decide whether a disused Tavistock toll house should be listed, English Heritage confirmed this week.

Mitchell Property Developments Ltd of Ivybridge wants to build nine apartments at the site of the derelict building on Plymouth Road.

Residents say they are concerned about the historic value of the Westbridge toll house, which was built in 1822, and that it should be restored not demolished.

But a spokesman for the developer said his client was aware of the history of the building and a historical assessment of it had been undertaken.

English Heritage said this week it had considered the case for listing and its advice would shortly be with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The final decision would be made by the minister, John Penrose.

A spokeswoman said:?'Our advice remains confidential until a decision is announced, and there is no set time-frame. Each case is considered on its own merits. In order for a building to be listed, it needs to have special architectural or historical importance.'

Opponents to the plans say the building is in a prominent position on one of the main roads in and out of Tavistock and is the last surviving toll house built and operated by the Plymouth and Tavistock Turnpike Trust.

Resident Alex Mettler said: 'This building is mentioned in the Tavistock Conservation Management Plan as a positive building of historic importance. It may be a bit shabby at the moment but it does not mean it should be demolished.'

Another resident, Jeff Moody, said the toll house was near the Grade II listed Westbridge Cottages, which were built 30 years later, so historically it was a very significant building.

Speaking on behalf of Mitchell Property Developments Ltd, planning consultant Ed Persse said: 'We are aware of the level of local interest in this building which has resulted in a request by a member of the public to get the building listed and this request is currently being considered by English Heritage.  

'My client was aware of the history of the building and as a result of this he sought pre-application discussions with the borough council's planning department to seek their advice and guidance on the building.  

'As a result of these discussions a historical assessment of the building was undertaken and the assessment now forms part of the planning application and conservation area application which were submitted on October 21.'

He said his client recognised that the loss of the building would be one of the main considerations of both applications and the historical assessment would assist the council in its deliberations.  

'My client is willing to provide further information or analysis of the building should the council require it,' added Mr Persse.

The closing date for representations to be made to­ West Devon Borough Council on the planning applications is November 24.