The brewery began operating 163 years ago

The government says the 163-year-old Ridley's at Hartford End, Essex, is not of sufficient historic or architectural worth to merit listing.

Both the county and district councils wanted protection for the building, which is now owned by Greene King.

Uttlesford District Council will now be in talks with its owners. It hopes to agree on a suitable conversion to an alternative use.

In September the decision by Greene King to close Ridley's sparked a Campaign for Real Ale petition, signed by almost 5,000 people calling for them to reconsider.

In July Suffolk-based Greene King paid �46m for Ridley's brewery.