Plans to redevelop an historic former pub in Groudle could be derailed by an application to register the building.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has applied to register the building, which would stop demolition or major changes being made to it without written approval.

An bid (18/01300/A) was submitted by Anna Kawalek in December for approval in principle to demolish the former pub and replace it with five houses.

DEFA has submitted the application due to what it said was ’special architectural or historic interest’.

A spokesman said: ’DEFA has issued a proposal to register notice for the Groudle Glen Hotel, Onchan.

’The building had previously been identified as one that should be considered for registration and an application was recently submitted to the planning department for the building’s demolition which has resulted in DEFA issuing the notice.

’There is now a consultation period of 28 days during which written submissions may be made in respect to the proposed entry of the building onto the protected buildings register.

Onchan Commissioners has also informed planners of its objections to the planning application on the ground of ’over development of the site’ and that it doesn’t comply with the Onchan local plan.

The building was designed by architect Ballie Scott whose buildings are widely regarded as important to the island’s history. Other buildings he designed in the island include the former Castletown police station.

The Groudle Glen Hotel was constructed in 1893 and along with much of the glen was paid for by Richard Maltby Broadbent who had previously commissioned Scott to design his house Ivydene at Little Switzerland in Douglas.

Broadbent spent considerable funds in Groudle, not only paying for the glen, but also the Groudle Glen Railway. It is believed he, like many others, lost a great deal of his fortune in the collapse of Dumbell’s Bank in 1900.