Southend's historic Carlton Bakery will not be eligible for repair grants from English Heritage, it emerged today.

The 15th century building was badly damaged in a fire 14 months ago and now an appeal to have it upgraded from Grade II to Grade II* has been rejected by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

The government department ruled that because part of the original 15th century market hall on the corner of Victoria Avenue and West Street had been demolished and other parts had been altered over time, it could not be upgraded.

If the bakery had achieved Grade II* status, it would have become eligible for thousands of pounds of grants.

The council has already offered owner, Malcolm Ginns, money to put a temporary roof on the bakery. At the moment it is boarded up and secure.

Plans for repairing and refurbishing the site had already been drawn up by Mr Ginns following the fire in October 1998.

The damage revealed timber framing which suggested the building could be a complete market hall dating from the mid 15th century.

A spokesman for English Heritage said: "While it is thought to be a mediaeval building, much of the original hall range has been demolished.

"Parts of what remain have been altered so therefore it was not considered worthy of upgrading to Grade II*"

A report by English Heritage into the history of the building has now been completed and sent to the council.

Experts have suggested, after close examination of the site, that it is probably part of an even larger building of the same period.

Mr Ginns was unavailable for comment. Southend conservation officer Martin Scott said the bakery may still be eligible for grants anyway.

He said: "We are on the verge of agreeing a conservation scheme with English Heritage which would mean extra grants for the Carlton Bakery."

"The quality and extent of the work needed meant that Mr Ginns could not be expected to pay for the work himself. That is why the grants should be available."

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