A pre-trial conference began in court yesterday in a legal battle over the heritage property known as Baird Cottage on New Cove Road in St. John’s.

Former owner Mildred Steinhauer and KMK Properties are suing the capital city for $8.7-million.

The developer bought the house from the owner for $2-million, but the city gave the home heritage status, halting plans for a 28-home development on the property.

The house—also known as Bryn Mawr—sits vacant, having been boarded up for several years, while the legal process unfolds.

Some have questioned the value of heritage over the rights of owners to do with their properties what they want.

Executive Director of the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, Jerry Dick says for those involved in the preservation of heritage structures the question for the city is straight forward: Do we value heritage or do we not? As well, if it’s important, he says the city must do what it can to preserve it.

He told VOCM Morning Show co-host Fred Hutton a better way has to be found to avoid confrontational approaches like having to go to court.

He says he’s not convinced that the planned development is the only option to create value for the developer.