David Bays wants to demolish Whisper Cottage in Church Lane, Tydd St Mary, and build a new home on the site.

However, planning officers told the development control committee at South Holland District Council the cottage is an important building from 1694, though this is disputed by Mr Bays, who believes the house is from the mid 19th century.

Members said a positive point to the application was that the new home would obscure an unattractive garage building on another site, which currently spoils the view towards the church.

They voted to defer the application for further negotiations between officers and the applicant to try and find a use for the cottage without knocking it down.

Speaking after the meeting Mr Bays said: "The villagers do not want it. They think it is an eyesore. There is not a voice of dissent in the village to the plans."

Mr Bays intends to build the new home for himself and his wife to live in and he currently lives opposite the site.

He said: "I don't want to buy up properties, do them up and clear off.

"I live in this village and I really want to get it sorted out. I am not trying to make a profit and we are not building to speculate."

Mr Bays spent four years renovating nearby Tysdale Manor, which dates from 1479, living in a caravan with his wife and two children.

Now he feels he wants to complete the job he started in the conservation area.

Mr Bays said: "Having done the manor I feel dedicated to keep the centre of the village together.

"If the cottage had been a real gem I would have done it up, but it doesn't have any features to save."