by Roger Donnelly
An historic Portrush hotel has been granted temporary 'listed' status to stop its immediate demolition.
'Londonderry Hotel' owner Lord Rana lodged a planning application in mid-May to knock it down.
He wants to replace it with a modern one-hundred bedroom hotel in time for the 2019 Open.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council placed the preservation order at the Department for Communities request.
But the 'Londonderry Hotel' is thought to have special architectural features, including an early twentieth century 'Art Nouveau' doorway.