There is fighting brewing between plans to develop 20 acres of land in Contra Costa County and the future of the historic Moraga Adobe.

The adobe is perched atop a hill with sweeping views of Mount Diablo.

The oldest surviving structure in the county is also now marked with graffiti and controversy.

Michael Olson and his partners bought the 20 acre parcel in 2008.

"There's a lot of damage that's occurred naturally over time as well as damaged caused by the vandals," Olson said.

The Orinda Planning Department has approved their plan to create a 13 house development and rehabilitate the adobe.

The plan calls for turning the adobe into a clubhouse for private use by the site's homeowners.

That upsets neighboring Moraga's Town Council and preservationists.

The adobe was built about 1841 and was home to Joaquin Moraga and it’s on the National Register of Historic Places.

"We think it should be opened and potentially restored so that someday it could be a museum and a learning center," said Moraga town council Member Dave Trotter.

The council is sending a letter of protest to the Orinda City Council, who has the final say.

But Orinda's Mayor, Steve Glazer, said the city's options are limited.

"If we could buy the property and preserve it, I think there's many in our community that would love to do that," Glazer said. "We don't have the money to do that."

The Orinda City Council is expected to hold a hearing on the matter in January.