Eight new tourist units could be built on the doorstep of a 100-year-old Somerset pub.

The Loyalty Inn ? now known as Salt Rock Grill at Loyalty Inn ? is a listed building and will have a pool and deckchairs adjoining its eastern wall if the Development Applications Board approves the application of Paragon Trust care of The Denver Trust next week.

?This building has been much changed but remains an important Mangrove bay landmark,? the Planning Department wrote of the application.

?A substantial house stood on this site at the time of the 1663 Norwood Survey and its history had been traced through the Morris and Gilbert families in the 18th and 19th centuries. It has been a public house since at least 1905?.

Terron Thompson, acting as agent for Vision Design and Drafting, wrote on January 10 that ?the proposal involves adding a two storey structure consisting of eight tourist units, a reception area, conference room and pool house adjacent to the existing Loyalty Inn Bar and Restaurant?.

Mr. Thompson told Planning the proposal had the overwhelming support of the Department of Tourism as it would be beneficial to the Tourism Industry but also bring additional revenue to Somerset Village.

?Having the Loyalty Inn Bar and Restaurant immediately accessible to the guests is definitely a positive for both the tourists and restaurant owners,? Mr. Thompson said.

However, he also said: ?The proposed driveway involves cutting through a wooded area as shown on the detailed site plan?.

But four days after Mr. Thompson wrote his letter, the Planning Department?s Development Control Section wrote to the Department of Tourism, ?requesting their observations on this proposal?.

The proposed plan remains under review.

However, Heather Burrows, the owner of Salt Rock Grill, who currently rents Loyalty Inn from Dennis Vickers said she was ?very excited? at the proposal.

?I see it as a revenue booster to keep staff employed and hire more,? Ms Burrows said.

?I am very glad someone is investing in Somerset Village.? And she said her staff would enjoy serving the visitors in the eight proposed guest apartments.

The Paragon Trust sought permission to build ?eight new tourist units, new swimming pool, pool house and reception area. Listed building? on 27, Mangrove Bay Road in Sandys, on January 10.

However, Heather Hails, spokesperson for Paragon Trust, said the company has ?a firm policy and are not allowed to discuss any information? about their developments with the media.

The company?s web-site said Paragon Trust offers ?a range of services including trust administration and estate administration?.