Plans for the redevelopment of Port St Mary’s Bay Queen Hotel site have been unveiled by Hartford Homes.

The developer held an exhibition last Thursday for the public to view the plans and ask questions.

Early feedback indicates the majority support the scheme although there is some opposition, admitted Hartford Homes director James Greenhalgh.

This scheme is of considerably lower density than a previous application - which has approval - for 56 flats and a 30-bedroom hotel over seven stories.

But this was ’unfeasible’ said Hartford and could be improved.

The new proposal involves 28 flats contained in a six-storey building including a concierge facility and restaurant on the ground floor, plus six three-storey town houses.

Mr Greenhalgh said: ’We received a strong message that most people support the development of the site, and indeed our proposals.

’It was naturally not unanimous, nor unconditional and there were several opinions voiced which ranged from constructive comments to outright opposition.

’We are taking on board comments from local residents as we prepare the planning application.’

’The new proposals offer a significantly less dense development than the approved scheme, with fewer apartments, a more attractive design, less visible parking and more landscaping.’

The proposed scheme would see the development of a completely new front building following the curve of the promenade with replacement towers in the same position of the existing towers, thereby retaining the landmark features of the original hotel building.

The Bay Queen Hotel - known as the Ballaqueeney - was once the jewel in Port St Mary’s crown, but it has fallen into dereliction since it closed in 1994. Part of the original building from pre-1926 was demolished in 2001, together with major internal stripping out of the remaining structure by the previous owners.

It was built and run by the Kelly family, who visited the US in the 1930s seeking inspiration for the design of the new hotel building which at the time was being added to the terrace of Victorian houses which comprised the hotel.

Betty Kelly, whose family used to own the hotel, said the plans are ’very well considered’. Opposition comes from residents living behind the building.