The Grade 11 listed Shenley Common Farmhouse (inset above, pictured in 1990) stood proudly among fields for over 200 years, a fine example of 18th century architecture.

When it was sold several years ago to developers building Oxley Park, near Westcroft, the new residents looked forward to having the impressive triple-gabled building as a centrepiece to their estate.

Today all that remains of Shenley Common is a pile of ancient bricks and a few rotting sections of its original timber frame, all surrounded by a makeshift steel fence.

"It is an absolute scandal, an eyesore and a terrible waste of such a beautiful building," said resident Natalie Clarke (pictured above), whose Stanwyck Lane home overlooks the site.

"No-one is sure how the farmhouse came to be demolished but it's
certainly more than just a bit of vandalism. We just cannot understand how a Grade 11 listed building can be allowed to get into this state.

Surely it is illegal?"

Recently the original owners of the farmhouse came back to view the building that was their home for decades. "They were simply mortified," said Natalie.

The farmhouse was first sold to Westbury Homes, which was bought out by Persimmon in 2006. But by then, say residents, the building was already a ruin.

This week Persimmon declined to comment to the Citizen about any plans for the property.

But residents, who have seen the company's site plans, say the area has been earmarked for 'further housing'.

"I think the developers should be forced to rebuild the farmhouse from scratch, including all the original features," said Natalie, who has written to the planning department to voice her protest.

Former Milton Keynes Development Corporation planner Bob Brightman agrees: "In a new city the old buildings are extremely precious. The loss of this farmhouse is a disgrace."

A spokesman for Milton Keynes Council told the Citizen: "We have not had an opportunity to carry out a site visit and will look into what the status is on this building later this week."