The imminent demolition of what remains of Tellinganna House, a regency-style mansion overlooking Monahan Road in Cork, can now be halted only by An Bord Pleanala.
The early 19th century mansion, in its day one of Cork's great houses, is of architectural significance, according to An Taisce, which has lodged an objection against planning permission granted to a developer in Cork for its removal and replacement by a four-storey over-basement business and technology office complex.
In An Taisce's appeal to An Bord Pleanala, a brief history of the house is outlined. The Newsoms, a Quaker family prominent in Cork business, occupied it in 1875. Samuel Frederick Newsom, the last family member to own the house, died in 1969 and the following year it was sold to coal merchants Sheehan and Sullivan.
Since then, says An Taisce, while the interior has degenerated, the shell of the building remains structurally sound. Its demolition, the objection goes on, would lead to the loss of part of Cork's historical and architectural heritage.
Mr Stephen Hunter, the conservationist and folklorist who has led the campaign for the preservation of the house, has made a submission to An Bord Pleanala urging the retention of Tellinganna and its eventual restoration.
He says too many similar period houses have disappeared in Cork and the time has come to think conservation rather than demolition. There is nothing wrong with the developer's proposal but why not restore the house and incorporate it into the plans, he asks
"Surely a place can be found to incorporate this lovely old building into such plans in a visionary marriage of old and new. Future generations will judge us if we fail to do so."
Cllr Kathleen Lynch (Lab) agrees: "I think the objections raised by An Taisce and Mr Hunter are more than reasonable. The house could be given a new lease of life in a new context and that's what should happen," she said.
It is likely the final decision will be made within the next two months, probably after a site visit by An Bord Pleanala. It would be a triumph for good planning, says Mr Hunter, if the house was saved.