The derelict building on Melton High Street opposite The Plough inn will be demolished to make way for a new access road and two homes as part of a 14 home development leading to calls from a local historian to save the farmhouse.

Dug Wydell said: "I was born in West Melton and as I drive through I see the ghost of ten detached buildings that have disappeared from the High Street. There is a timber post and a diagonal brace exposed at the rear of this property so it could be of 18th Century value. I have looked at this building for 50 years."

A submitted planning application shows that a terrace of five dwellings and a terrace of three across the new road would front Melton High Street while a semi detached block and a row of three houses would be constructed at the back of the plot.

Three two bedroom, ten three bedroom and one four bedroom properties are planned to be constructed on the site using stone, timber and slate in the style of existing buildings in the area.

Initial plans were allegedly for apartments but under considerations these were deemed inappropriate for the area.

Mr Wydell, also a collector of Whitworth Brewery items, does not object to the development as a whole but would like to see the old farmhouse retained or repositioned.

He said: "I am in favour of any sympathetic development and to incorporate this dwelling as a central feature would be a bonus. This site having some open views towards Hoober should be worthy of retaining this farm house. As a bricklayer and foreman for 40 years I know to reposition this building further back from the road is an easy job."

The public consultation period for the plans has now ended with no objections reported so far and a decision is scheduled to be made at a planning meeting on June 6.

Mr Wydell added: "I know it is only a bog standard property but with roses growing around the door I know which home I would choose to live in on this development."