An appeal has been lodged against plans to build a 70-unit housing development on the outskirts of the village of Castlelyons, north Cork, where architectural items include Norman ruins, stone walls and Georgian houses.
The Irish Georgian Society (IGS) has also submitted a lengthy observation. It said the village was of considerable heritage interest "with a rich stock of structures of archaeological and architectural importance", and the plans for 70 two-storey houses at Kill St Anne South, along the main entrance road from Fermoy into the village, would interfere with the character of Castlelyons.
There are also fears about increased traffic, and a doubling of the population.
The buildings in the village include the remains of an early 13th century Carmelite friary, and the ruins of Castlelyons Castle. The submission from the IGS also claims various houses of note also exist.
Unrendered stone walls on this approach road define the northern entrance to the town, and the IGS has asked that these walls be retained and reinstated.
Mr Donough Cahill, planning officer with the IGS, said it was supporting the appeal by residents and landowners against the decision by Cork County Council to grant permission for the development.
One objector, Mr Felix Mitterer and family, of Castlelyons House, said there was a strong sense of heritage in the village, and a desire to protect that heritage.
An Bord Pleanála is to make a decision by June 23rd, a spokesman said.