Government has defended its decision to allow developers to build a six-storey residential block on the site of the Queen of the East.

Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy granted the project planning permission after developers, CTX Ltd, appealed the initial decision of the Development Applications Board to reject proposals earlier this year.

The ruling, which allows for the old house to be demolished, has sparked concerns from the Bermuda National Trust that believes the merchant home should be saved from the wrecking ball and preserved as a historical property.

But this week a spokesperson for the Ministry explained the reasoning behind the decision.

The statement said: “Community reaction to the granting of planning permission has been strong, with many expressing concern at the loss of a building which played a historic cultural role in our past.

“First, it should be noted that Queen of the East was listed in 2002 in accordance with section 30 of the Development and Planning Act 1974 and was one of more than 700 buildings listed at that t ime.

“With that designation, any proposal to redevelop the property would have been subject to restrictions in terms of preserving and not demolishing the original building, and ensuring that any additions or changes were in keeping with the architectural character of that building.

“By delisting the building in 2007, the Government of the day ensured Queen of the East was no longer subject to such restrictions and protections.

“As a result, an application could be made in the normal manner for redevelopment of the site.”

The Queen of the East on Crow Lane dates back to the mid-1740s.

In its day the property was a large merchant house and a major feature of this 18th century port.

Over the decades the property has served as a bakery, a laundry and even a brothel.

The developer’s initial proposals were rejected by the DAB, but they then appealed to the Minister who went along with the opinion of an independent inspector in allowing the appeal.

The Ministry spokesperson added: “The independent Planning Inspector reviewed the appeal submitted to the Minister and determined that, on balance, the building could be approved and in his comprehensive report made that recommendation to the Minister.

“Again, the Inspector did not address the historical relevance of the building. That did not form part of the reasons for refusal.

“The building could have been demolished at any time since delisting in 2007. All that was needed to do so was a building permit.”

The spokesperson added: “Since the delisting, two applications to redevelop the property have been received by the Department of Planning.

“The first was approved and the second, which is causing recent disquiet among some members of the community, was refused by the Development Applications Board.

“A review of the file will show the reasons for refusal related to the quality of the submission, construction viability and the development’s overall compliance with the Bermuda Plan 2008, and not the historic or cultural significance of the building.

“That is because Queen of the East ceased being a Listed Building seven years ago.

“The applicant had every right to apply to redevelop the Queen of the East property, and the Board and Minister properly considered the development proposal.”

In April Minister Fahy approved a new process for delisting listed properties in a bid to make the procedure more transparent and open to the public.

The public now has the same opportunity to comment on proposals to delist buildings as it does with respect to proposals to list buildings.