An old vicarage where historic figures once walked will be demolished in spite of objectors' best attempts to save it.

The building at Shiplake in Henley is to be replaced with a replica due to the current structure being in need of "extensive repair and refurbishment".

Planning permission for the demolition and replacement had been granted last year.

But south Oxfordshire district councillors still considered the pros and cons of demolition at Wednesday's planning meeting this week which proposed some changes to the already-approved replacement.

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The site is not located in a conservation area but it is where the English poet Alfred Lord Tennyson spent his wedding night and was a frequent visitor.

There are also numerous references to the property in Emily S Climmenson's History of Shiplake written in 1897.

Councillors at this week's meeting unanimously voted in favour of a new application which included altered proposals as part of an "alternative development opportunity".

These included construction of two new outbuildings, a new parking courtyard and the reopening of the historic entrance to the site from Church Lane as part of the demolition and replacement plans.

Liberal Democrat councillor Katharine Keats-Rohan, of the Wallingford ward, said: "Have you taken into account the Royal Institute of British Architects says its better to renovate than remove?"

Oxford Mail: Katharine Keats-Rohan.Katharine Keats-Rohan. (Image: Katharine Keats-Rohan)

Council officer Marc Pullon said in the meeting the new building would be more energy efficient, in spite of Ms Keans-Rohan's sustainability concerns around demolishing the old one.

Application agent Adrian Gould added: "The first and most obvious point is loss of the existing demolition house has already been granted planning permission.

"The structural report makes it clear the existing dwelling is in need of extensive repair and refurbishment."

The council had confirmed during the pre-application process that the Old Vicarage was considered to be of sufficient heritage value to be considered a non-designated heritage asset.

Mr Pullon said: "The property is not listed – prior approval has already been given to allow for demolition of the property.

"Officers do not consider loss of the building and its associated history to form a strong material consideration in determining the outcome of this application."

A total of 10 planning conditions have been added to the application and Mr Pullon said tree protection measures was among these.

Shiplake Parish Council, who had objected to the demolition along with the council heritage officer, removed its objection to the application discussed on Wednesday due to the demolition already having been approved.

But parish councillor Chris Penrose said: "We were very disappointed to find an application that sought to demolish the property and erect in its place a replica."