Dublin City Council has failed in its duty to protect a symbol of Irish cultural achievement by approving plans to demolish the birthplace of 18th century playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan, according to Senator David Norris.

Last month the council granted permission to Shane Murphy for the demolition of the Whig MP's home at 12 Upper Dorset Street to make way for an apartment block. The building is in a derelict condition and is missing its top two floors.

Murphy bought number 12 six months ago and number 13 an adjoining property, which will also be demolished, a year ago.

The proposed stone and glass building was designed by architects Keenan Lynch and will incorporate nine apartments, including one penthouse, and a retail unit.

In a letter of appeal to An Bord Pleanála, Senator Norris claims that the council has failed to protect the building. "Richard Brinsley Sheridan was one of the giants of English literature and second only to his fellow Dubliner Jonathan Swift as the master of satire," according to the senator.

Pointing out that the building was listed as a protected building by the council because of its unique literary and cultural association, Senator Norris says to grant permission for its destruction "calls into serious question the competence of the city council".

The council, according to the senator, has "consistently failed to protect the building and is now compounding this breach of duty by taking the easy option and now allowing its demolition".

The proposed seven-storey building would seriously impact on the scale and setting of the adjoining St Saviour's Priory, a late 19th century protected structure, according to An Taisce, which is also appealing the decision to grant.