DEMOLITION of an architectural gem will not start this week, as had been feared.

But developers still intend to knock down Godwins, a Georgian property on Blackhall Lane, if Sevenoaks District Council gives permission to go ahead. A decision is due later this month.

Neighbours and historical groups remain outraged.

Helen O'Sullivan, of Eardley Road, said: "I'd be devastated if it was lost.

"If Godwins is demolished, Sevenoaks District Council may recover from its embarrassment but Godwins would not and Blackhall Lane and the existing Wildernesse Conservation Area would be the poorer.

"The council should serve a Building Preservation Notice on the building, giving it immediate listing protection."

Frank Marshall at Sevenoaks Society said: "Of the three houses there, Godwins is the most architecturally interesting.

"I understand English Heritage is even interested in listing it, like they did with Tyler's Cottage on Oakhill Road which was saved in 2002. It has been restored and is now for sale."

Built in 1931, Godwins was designed by acclaimed architect Oswald Milne, in the Baillie Scott arts and crafts style.

Tony Aston of Wildernesse Residents' Association also opposes demolition, hoping the conservation area can be extended to protect the property and two neighbouring homes.

James and Jean Gellatly, of Blackhall Lane, wrote to the council to say: "We would prefer to see Godwins retained or, failing that, extended in keeping with its architecture."

Mrs O'Sullivan added: "Godwins is as representative of a particular moment of historical taste as are the houses of the conservation area and should be viewed as part of it."

Tatham Homes Ltd acquired the site in February and in May submitted two planning applications. A third, submitted in August, proposed demolition could begin as early as September 2 – prompting fears Godwins could be demolished before Sevenoaks District Council had ruled on any of the applications.

The firm's managing director Mike Tatham said: "We've applied for a single dwelling and two houses and I'm open-minded about which we go ahead with.

"Obviously no work will begin until we've got a decision."

Sevenoaks Town Council opposes two houses on the site, but does not object to Godwins being replaced with a similar new dwelling, in keeping with the area.

Mayor Simon Raikes explained: "We couldn't see any planning grounds to refuse the one-house application, but we'd be dismayed if a building of the architectural quality of Godwins was replaced with two buildings of a design in no way appropriate to the area of Blackhall Lane."

Sevenoaks Archaeological Society have no objections, provided they can rescue any significant finds if digging commences.