An inspector from Heritage England visited Bearsted this week to assess the architectural merit of the The Parade, a row of shops facing the village green.

The shops are under threat of demolition, after the site’s freeholders, Evenden Estates submitted a planning application to Maidstone council seeking permission to construct three new shops, with six two-bedroom flats above.

Villagers argue that the existing single-storey building is part of the character of the area and should not be lost.

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They point to the buildings’s rare concave lead-sheet canopy, its distinctive six Victorian salt-glazed tiled pillars, floor mosaics, decorative cast-iron columns and patterned brickwork as evidence of its merit.

The Bearsted and Thurnham Society submitted a 32-page document to Historic England in support of the listing, which had also been backed by Helen Whately, MP for Faversham and Mid Kent.

VIDEO REPORT: Villagers chant in fury over plans to tear down shops

Listing would give the building additional protection, which the borough would have to consider in reaching its decision.

The three existing businesses, butchers WJ Crouch, still known locally by its previous name Rickwood’s, Bearsted Computer Solutions and Taylors the Newsagents, would have to relocate during the reconstruction.

Rob Crouch, the owner of W.J.Crouch has already said that with no alternative premises available, moving out would kill his business in the village.

Villager Denis Spooner, said: “This building with its flat roof and lead canopy is considered to be iconic, a unique feature in the village, which must be saved.”

The existing building dates from 1902. It replaced an earlier parade of shops built in 1882 after a fire.

It may be several weeks, before Historic England issues a report on its findings from Monday’s visit.