A VICTORIAN brewery ravaged by fire nearly three years ago was saved this week after planning chiefs threw out plans to have it demolished.

The former Westlake Brewery in Cwmavon was left a shell with no roof or internal doors after the non suspicious blaze in April 2012.

Two companies called Capital Valley Plastics and Extrusion and Moulding Compounds Ltd - who work in recycling plastics and employ 50 staff - own the site.

They lodged an application to knock down the brewery on the grounds that it would cost £2m to repair and a failure to have it demolished could have “serious implications for the future of the business”.

They also stressed the building, which stopped being used as a brewery in the 1920s, had by and large been unused for the last 10 to 15 years.

But the Victorian Society objected to the demolition of the Grade II listed building situated in the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape World Heritage Site.

The imposing five-storey building was considered to be a “scarce surviving example of a grand Victorian brewery in Wales built by notable architects and highly regarded at the time of construction”.

Councillors sitting on Torfaen planning committee discussed the demolition plans at Pontypool Civic Centre on Tuesday.

Cllr Gwyneira Clark, Torfaen council executive member for housing, planning and public protection, argued the building should be demolished.

The planning committee member said protected buildings in the area had fallen into disrepair and jobs at the two companies should be safeguarded.

But other members, including Cllr Stuart Ashley, thought the brewery built in 1900 should be preserved for posterity saying it was “extremely rare”.

In its submission the Victorian Society said: “We object to the proposal to demolish the former Cwmavon Brewery, which is recognised as one of the finest breweries of its period.

“Cwmavon Brewery possesses charm, elegance, character and drama.

“It is a notable example of its type and its Grade II-listing marks it out as a historic complex of national significance.”

Eleven councillors voted against the demolition, one voted for it and one member abstained.

The planning committee heard the owners will have the opportunity to appeal the decision.