I AM sure that many of your readers will be aware that planning permission was granted to Capital Developments Ltd for the demolition of Craigmore House, now Downs View, to make way for a number of new flats.

Craigmore is situated on the summit of Windmill Hill on the edge of the Civil War battle field of Launceston. The house was constructed in 1880 by Benjamin Ralph, the first headmaster of Launceston College and later sold on to the Peter family. Otho Peter is one of Launceston's most famous sons. He was a prominent architect with a passion for history, writing a number of books on Launceston and its surrounding landscape, as well as undertaking archaeological investigations at Launceston Priory.

Craigmore House is the only Victorian villa in that area of Launceston, with the majority of the other surviving Georgian and Victorian houses being located just north of Launceston Castle. As such it is fairly unique and should be conserved. Launceston is designated as a Conservation Area, meaning that the character of the town and its many historically important buildings should be preserved. The demolition of Craigmore House would go against the principles of this designation, changing the character of Windmill Hill.

I know there is strong feeling among some residents against the demolition and I urge others to consider the impact that the destruction of the house will have on the town. The demolition will not only mean the loss of part of Launceston's history but it will also generate other practical difficulties. Windmill Hill is a narrow lane and more dwellings will mean more traffic along a road that links two schools. Pupils from both schools walk along this lane; increase in traffic will also mean an increase in the likelihood of an accident taking place.

It is hoped that concerted pressure from the residents of Launceston and other concerned parties may put a stop to the destruction of Craigmore and to this end a petition will be placed in Launceston Town Hall in the clerk's office from May 25. Please take time to sign the petition to aid the conservation of Launceston's wonderful history and character that make the town what it is today.

Launceston.