Recognition for an historic riverside quay has spurred on hopes for Village Green status being awarded.

Allen’s Quay in Mistley has received Grade II listing for its special architectural and historic interest after English Heritage approved an application.

According to English Heritage, the quay wall earned its Grade II listing for architectural interest.

It said: “The wall has both engineering precision and distinction in the use of materials such as the sombre colour and texture of the Portland stone banding contrasting with the rich red and gault brick of the wall’s face.”

The quay was designed by the Duke of Bridgewater, who instigated the construction of the first canal in England, for the Hon Richard Rigby in 1777. Other listing notes included “the quay wall fits in particularly well with a cluster of other listed buildings on or near to the quay such as Grapevine Cottage and Fountain House and the surviving Grade I listed church of St Mary the Virgin”.

The English Heritage application was made by Mistley resident Ian Tucker. He said: “I am really pleased that English Heritage has recognised the architectural and historic importance of the quay.

“This, and our application to have the quay declared a Village Green, will ensure the preservation of the quay for the enjoyment of recreational and leisure purposes in the future.”

Martin Rayner, chairman of Mistley Parish Council, added: “The waterfront at Mistley has historic value and adds to the character of the area.

“The Grade II listing is important for our heritage and we hope it will enable us to move forward with the issue of the fence along the quay.”

A four-day inquiry for campaign group Free the Quay’s application to have the quay declared a Village Green will be held from June 24-27 at Mistley Village Hall.

The action group was set up in response to TW Logistics after the company constructed a fence across Mistley Quay in September 2008 ending public access to the waterfront.

Five years after the first fence was built, TW Logistics want to replace it with a new one and have applied to Tendring District Council for planning permission. The proposed fence is solid iron railing, around 1.5metres high with spikes on top.

A Free the Quay exhibition on Mistley Quay will run next Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26, from 2pm to 4pm.