Mother Redcaps pub, which dates back to 1769, and other buildings of historical significance in Dublin would be demolished, if plans for a new apartment development go ahead.
The development would also lead to the destruction of the historic Mother Redcaps 18th century market on Back Lane, which contains the last remaining section of the old walls of Dublin city, and to the demolition of the former Winstanly shoe factory containing 19th century machinery.
Local residents are firmly opposed to the construction.
"We feel it's far too big. It will be a total transformation of buildings in the area, from two storey red brick artisan cottages to a five storey apartment development," says Ms Cliona Buckley who owns a premises on John Dillon Street.
"It will destroy the historical ambiance of the area," she says.
Ms Jane Tynan, an old age pensioner says she doesn't like the idea of being hemmed in by a high-rise.
The development, by Christchurch Developments (Dublin) Limited, includes plans for 67 new apartments, five retail units, a restaurant and a pub. It has already been granted planning permission by Dublin City Council.
According to Mr Damien Cassidy, a property owner in the area and honorary secretary of the National Heritage Conservation Initiative, more needs to be done to stop the destruction of buildings of cultural significance.
"I would like if Minister Cullen set up a body to consider any sale or development of heritage property throughout the State," he says.
Mr Cassidy believes that at the moment, buildings of historical importance are being sold without any public awareness. In this instance, he says that most people living in the vicinity were not aware of the application for planning permission until the five-week period for making objections had lapsed.
He is appealing the decision to An Bord Pleanála.
The site is located in the midst of a popular tourist trail, which begins at Trinity College Dublin. Visitors on the trail can disembark at Christchurch Cathedral and visit St Audeons 11th century Protestant Church on High Street, which is opposite the proposed site of the development.
A report by Dublin City Council Planning and Development Department states that, while the public house and office building are of some historical interest, they are not protected structures and the City Conservation Section has raised no objection to their demolition.
Meanwhile, Christchurch Development (Dublin) Limited declined to comment, except to say that they had done everything that the planners required.