Liverpool John’s has been added to Pickering’s heritage registry as councillors attempt to rein in an Altona Group development proposal at the corner of Kingston and Liverpool roads.

Under the proposal, the pub and restaurant formerly known as the Old Liverpool House, would be slightly relocated and restored, and the area to the north would be redeveloped to include a 25-storey building, a 12-storey building and seven, three-storey townhouses.

But many residents and politicians are concerned about the scope of the project, particularly the height of the 25-storey building, which would require rezoning from the current maximum of 15 storeys.

Coun. Bill McLean, who moved the motion to add the restaurant to the heritage registry during a Dec. 16 council meeting, is among those also concerned that Liverpool John’s could be eliminated altogether if the 25-storey building is not approved.

“If they decide to come in with a wrecking ball, there’s a process that has to be followed through the historical society, both at the city and at the province,” McLean explained. “What this prevents them from doing is just coming in, getting a demolition permit, and knocking it down.”

The property at 1294 Kingston Rd. was built in 1827 as a private residence of Robert Chacker of England, and upon completion became a grand old highway inn, an important stop along the old Kingston Road stage coach route.

Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister, was said to be a frequent visitor to the inn, which was a popular stop for those travelling between Toronto and Kingston, Macdonald’s hometown.

The motion was seconded by Coun. Maurice Brenner and carried unanimously on a recorded vote.

“This is the first step in preservation,” McLean said. “In my mind, for them to hold the Liverpool House as hostage . . . that’s what bothers me the most.”