Objections have been raised about plans to gate off Port Soderick bay as part of a proposal to redevelop the run-down former tourist spot.

Ballacregga Estates has submitted a planning application (17/00448/B) to demolish the former Anchor Hotel and build a boathouse, a terrace of four houses and a detached home, for residential and tourist use.

The applicant says public access to the site, which is privately owned and has recently been acquired by Ballacregga Estates, is to remain and be respected.

But a number of objections has been lodged about the plan to install substantial metal gates at the entrance.

Allen and Joyce Gawne of Keristal House said the gates which would block access from the public road were ’substantial and prison-like in appearance’. ’They are totally out of keeping,’ they added.

They said they would strongly oppose anything that would restrict public access onto the Raad ny Foillan.

John Motley, of Port Soderick, said the substantial barrier was more appropriate for a private gated community, which seems to contradict the developer’s stated aim to enhance the public amenity.

David Garrett, of Anagh Coar Road, Douglas, said he feared the coastal path would be diverted onto the main road, and pointed out a 2.5 miles stretch was already diverted onto the A25 from around the Ballacregga estate.

Hamish Killip, of Laxey, similarly raised concerns the plans could endanger the current route of the long-distance coast path and force it to be diverted inland.

Peter Turner of Ballacregga Estates Ltd states in his planning application: ’Port Soderick has fallen into disrepair but it is still a very special place, a location of outstanding natural beauty.

’My plans are to retain this and enhance it and to include buildings that reflect its nautical location and give it back the life that visually it deserves.’

He added: ’We wish to proceed with this investment on the basis that nothing is sold but retained with its additional income to maintain the future of the estate as a whole, along with allocating facilities for a charitable purpose for the people to enjoy in years to come.’

Heritage Great Britain had acquired the site in summer 2015 with the aim of bringing the site ’back to life’ but nothing came of that promise.

Instead it was sold to Ballacregga Estates.

Mr Turner said he had wanted to purchase Port Soderick ever since he moved into Ballacregga in 2000.