THE future of a historic Gwent building is set to divide a community after plans to demolish it and replace it with housing were announced.

Torfaen borough council received an outline planning application to tear down the run-down Co-operative building in High Street, Abersychan. Somerset-based developers The Estates Company are proposing to purchase the site from freeholder Mervyn Redman and build 15 two- and three-bedroom houses on it.

David Evans, from The Estates Company, said: "We are considering selling individual plots and running a self-build scheme. "We are very keen to work with the community."

Gordon Barnes, from architects Powell Dobson, who have drawn up plans for the site, added: "Obviously local people will remember the building fondly, but it is in a state of disrepair."

But some residents believe the building is of historic importance and should be preserved.

The Abersychan Co-op, built in 1896 and extended in 1902, was the forerunner of the Co-operative movement in the Eastern Valley. It had a bakery, printing press, slaughterhouse, even a ballroom, plus all the usual departments.

It was also the headquarters of the Co-operative Political Party for the area, and the Abersychan Ward Labour Party.

Wilf Bridges, of Old Lane, Abersychan, said: "The building is a beautiful stone building and to see it demolished would be appalling. "If it was demolished it would be a tragedy."

Councillors in the area are now urging residents to come forward and give their views on the proposal.

Councillor Ken Clark said: "Some people think the building should be listed, perhaps, for future generations and form part of a future planning strategy.

"If it does go then I think there should be some sort of memorial erected to mark its importance."

But other locals think the building has become an eyesore and should make way for new homes, given the huge waiting-list for housing in the valley.

Wilf Tuckwell, 77, of Manor Way, Abersychan, said: "My great-grandfather was one of the founding members of the Co-operative but I think it has become an eyesore.

"It hasn't been used for years and I think it is time for it to go. "At the moment it is causing a mess and is being vandalised." A council spokesman said: "We have received an outline planning application for the old Co-operative building in Abersychan to be demolished and housing built in its place.

"Residents are welcome to contact us and make their views known." A public meeting is to be held by local councillors in the near future to discuss the proposal.