There are plans to convert a substantial part of the complex in the glen at Silverdale to tourist accommodation.

An application has been submitted (17/00405/B by Kelly Lewthwaite building design for Jim Kearns, who leases tthe complex off the Department of the Environment, Fisheries and Agriculture) to convert the existing store/retail/craft areas to provide tourist five star hostel living accommodation.

The application states the eight bedrooms will be made in the currently two vacant floor areas comprising the upper levels.

It says the natural beauty of Silverdale led Mr Kearns to explore creating tourist accommodation.

The two floors would be converted - at Mr Kearns’ expense - to eight letting rooms, a lounge, dining and areas with cooking facilities.

It states Silverdale can ’lead the way’ in providing high quality self-catering units.

Occupancy rates in self-catering in the island is 47 per cent, but Mr Kearns hopes to improve on that having spent nine months in consultation with tourism specialists to assess what the island needs.

He added the ’hostel’ description is in accordance with the department’s classification.

’Silverdale lends itself to tourist use. It is fantastic for visitors and locals. There will be no external changes, they will be purely internal,’ he said.

He added the conversion will make the most of the interior of the buildings, which have rooms with high ceilings and visible stone work, which were refurbished by the department four years ago.

As far as the general public is concerned, there will be no change to facilities such as the playground, carousel and boating pond; the cafe/restaurant and ice cream manufacturer will also remain the same.

The ceramics painting studio Craftworks left the complex and moved to Qualtrough’s Yard in Castletown several weeks ago.

The studio owners said changes to the sub-lease made their continuation there untenable.

Mr Kearns said: ’I’m in talks with another craft offering - ceramics/art and similar to what was there before.’

If permission is granted, he hopes to open the hostel this summer.

Malew Commissioners will consider the plan on May 3.