The redevelopment of the Bay View Hotel in Port St Mary was supported in principle by the local authority, but the specific proposal is over-intensive they agreed.

Red Pen Limited, of Church Road, Port St Mary, has applied (17/00976/B) to planners to demolish the former pub and hotel and build three three-bedroom flats in its place.

They said it would give the building a ’new lease of life’.

Architect Samson Designs’ visual survey showed it has ’not been properly maintained for many years and is severely affected by damp’.

The design statement says works to renovate or convert the building for residential use ’would be extensive and costly’.

It adds: ’While the high cost of renovation work does not automatically justify the demolition of the building, this must be taken into consideration along with any architectural merit of the building.

’Many Victorian guest houses and hotels along Port Erin promenade, which arguably had more architectural merit, have been demolished and replaced with new residential developments without destroying the overall character of the promenade.’

The flats would be on the upper floors and feature a balcony off the living room.

Residents would have access to a communal garden - formerly the beer garden on the opposite side of Bay View Road.

The main access would be from the rear of the property, on The Lhargan. Parking would be provided on the opposite side of The Lhargan and in off-road parking space and in garages.

Village commissioner Ian Skelly said he welcomes the investment in the village, but is concerned about the impact of possible lengthy road closures - which would cut off the lower part of the village - while demolition happens.

Alec Merchant said another concern is heavy construction traffic could create a ’problem’ with the stability of the bank.

Commissioners’ chairman Alan Grace said: ’If there’s a new building it would stabilise that corner.’Michelle Haywood added the proposal is a storey higher than the existing building and is ’over development, over intrusive and out of character.

’It would change the street scene. I can understand the developers want to get their money’s worth.’

Bernadette Williams said the parking as shown was not possible.

Ms Haywood added: ’They say there is dark cladding "to reduce the visual impact", they know (it is an issue).’

Mr Grace summed up their views and said: ’We agree in principle, but have concerns.’

Rich Ashcroft suggested they also contact the architect to express their ’concerns’ about the impact of development on the stability of the bank.