One of Bermuda’s earliest tourist attractions could be converted into a dental office, according to a new planning application.

The application proposes demolishing the buildings at the former Devil’s Hole Aquarium — while preserving the titular lagoon — and erecting a new structure in its place.

Documents included in the request said: “The property has a longstanding history of commercial use, transitioning from a tourism site to a retail establishment.

“The proposed dental facility represents a logical evolution of its existing use, aligning with the policy allowing for further development of existing commercial premises in Residential 1 zones at the discretion of the board.

“The dental facility will enhance access to healthcare services for the local community, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances.

“The conversion of the site will also contribute to the revitalisation of the area, providing an aesthetically pleasing and functional space.”

The documents said that the natural lagoon would be retained with “no significant alterations or disruptions to its natural condition”.

“The lagoon will remain untouched, preserving its ecological integrity and visual appeal,” the application said.

“The only planned intervention in this area is the introduction of additional specimen ground cover vegetation, which will enhance the natural setting without disturbing the existing ecosystem.

“The new building has been strategically located to avoid any impact on the existing rock face and the lagoon's surrounding environment.

“Excavation will be limited to the installation of a new tank, which is sited away from the lagoon walls and the undercut shoreline.

“This approach minimises the risk of disturbance to the natural terrain and ensures the long-term stability of the lagoon.”

The application also stated that drainage systems would steer run-off away from the lagoon, the landscaped buffer would be maintained to “filter” potential pollutants and educational signage would be added to inform visitors and staff about the importance of preserving the ecosystem.

“The proposed development demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental stewardship by preserving and enhancing the site's natural features,” the application added.

“These measures ensure that the lagoon and its surrounding environment will not only be protected but also appreciated as an integral part of the property's unique character.”

The proposal has generated letters of objection from the neighbouring Harrington Workmen’s Club and the Bermuda Audubon Society, both of which raised concerns about the environmental impact of the project.

A letter from the workmen’s club stated that the proposal did not reference the coastal reserve zoning at the site and did not correctly include a retaining wall on the site.

The club said it understood that green turtles live in the lagoon, adding: “We strongly assert that no planning permission should be granted until the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has formally reviewed the ecological status of the cave and confirmed that the proposed works pose no threat to Bermuda’s protected species.”

The audubon society said that while the proposal would preserve the lagoon, the project would involve a huge amount of demolition and reconstruction.

“This could have a very negative impact on an important ecological area and the wildlife that lives within it if it is not managed well,” it noted.

“We therefore request that the Marine Resources Board be consulted about this application and the most effective way to protect the water.

“We also request that regular inspections be implemented to ensure that the ‘lagoon’ is being protected from construction pollution and that all protection methods mentioned in the grounds in support are being implemented.

“Bermuda’s cave systems are unique and vulnerable, as are the species that live within them. It is vital that we take care of them.”

CTX Design Group responded to the BAS letter on behalf of the applicant stating that there were objections to regular inspections being carried out by relevant agencies.

The Devil’s Hole, a 30ft-deep tidal pool formed by a collapsed cave, was initially opened as a tourist attraction by Thomas Trott, who originally used the site as a fish pond for groupers.

In 1843, Mr Trott advertised in The Royal Gazette that he would charge “one shilling for each grown person” to visit the site after he had suffered “much inconvenience and loss of time” showing it for free.

Visitors to the site were allowed to feed a variety of resident sea life including fish, moray eels and green turtles, but the attraction closed its doors to guests in 2009.