The owners of a house in the historic Copeland district of Oak Bluffs filed suit this week in Massachusetts Land Court asking the court to allow it to be torn down.

The lawsuit claims that the Copeland Plan District Review Board failed to file a written decision within 30 days after it voted at a Sept. 19 meeting to deny a bid to demolish the house at 3 Uncas avenue. The board’s failure to issue a written denial as required by its by-laws means the demolition was effectively approved, the lawsuit contends.

The house is owned by Flowerwood LLC, whose principals include businessmen Robert and Michael Sawyer, who also own the Barn, Bowl & Bistro next door. The Sawyers have long sought to develop the property for mixed use.

The Copeland Plan District is a district of critical planning concern (DCPC) and covers a wide swath of Oak Bluffs including Waban and Nashawena parks and Sunset Lake. The six-member review board is responsible for protecting the cultural continuity of the district and has the power to approve or deny demolition of any structure within it.