English Heritage is deciding if the flint wall should have listed status

English Heritage's "strong opposition" led to the proposal being rejected by Lewes council's planning committee.

The council's own community services unit suggested the move because it said the flint wall, in Lewes, was unsafe.

It would have been rebuilt with new vehicle and turnstile access for Lewes Football Club.

However, the application was refused planning permission by an 11 to three vote.

It was agreed that a lower replacement wall would harm the character and appearance of the area around the flint wall in Ham Lane.

We are disappointed but not surprised at the planning committee's decision Martin Elliott, Lewes FC

Conservationists and historians have argued it should be preserved as it is believed to trace the outer perimeter of the old Cluniac Priory of St Pancras in Lewes.

Lewes Football Club wanted the partial demolition to go ahead because it needs to redevelop its Dripping Pan ground to ensure it meets Conference South league standards.

Lewes District Council has been trying to find "an acceptable community solution" because the wall has no known owner.

It said a replacement wall was "just one approach" and alternative arrangements were being worked on.

Lewes FC's managing director, Martin Elliott, said: "We are disappointed but not surprised at the planning committee's decision.