The owners of Edenburn House say they're not aware of any planning breaches for proposed apartments on the site.
Last year, Mid Kerry Properties Limited applied for permission to change its use to residential and for retention to convert the house into apartments.
It also sought permission for two external boilers, associated site works and for 28 parking spaces.
Kerry County Council refused permission, highlighting four reasons.
On September first the council issued an enforcement order to the owners of the Ballymacelligott property, requiring that the development cease.
Edenburn House was built in 1760, and over the years served as a TB sanatorium and as a convalescent hospital and home for the elderly.
Last August, Mid Kerry Property Limited applied for retention permission, which was refused in April 2024 by Kerry County Council.
The local authority stated due to a lack of information submitted it could not be satisfied that a high quality residential development was proposed.
It also noted the absence of a Road Safety Audit; compliance concerns with water quality and resource sections, and around land use and flood risk management of the County Development plan.
Locals flagged concerns that the property has appeared on short-term letting websites in the interim, a complaint was lodged to the council, who advised that a warning letter had been issued to the owners in June.
Responding to a query from Radio Kerry, through its representative, Brendan O'Connell & Associates, the owners stated that some rooms in the main house are being let online.
The statement said this building was not part of the planning application, adding these rooms are being utilised as a trial run to help maintain the building.
The owners state it is not aware of any breach of planning law on their part.
It added, while initial planning was refused, the project began in collaboration with the Department of Integration to provide accommodation for Ukrainians; which the company says was planning exempt at the time.
However, the statement outlines, due to rumours and negative reaction at the time, the owners withdrew this deal in January 2024 and focused its efforts on renting to the private sector.
The owners say it’s utilising the main building for private renting, while it states it’s in the process of refiling to Kerry County Council, for 21 apartments in the outer buildings for the private rental market.
