The Methodist church in Castletown has appealed against refusal of its plan for new windows.

The church wants to replace cast iron windows with timber framed windows to copy what is in the church hall. But planners turned the proposal down saying ’the introduction of a new, simpler form of glazing would detract from the interest and original appearance of the existing building and introduce a consistency of fenestration â?¦ which does not presently exist and is not considered appropriate’.

This makes it contrary to environment policy 35, ’which requires that development preserves or enhances the character and appearance of conservation area.’

Reverend David Shirtliff wrote to the local authority asking for its support.

He wrote renovation of the current windows will be ’hugely expensive’ - over £50,000 - ’assuming the current windows don’t collapse when they are taken out and if they were to be renovated we would want to protect them from vandal attack, thus obscuring what we have renovated.’

He added the church has better things to spend its money on, such as a new heating system or roof. Although in a conservation area, ’Arbory Street has seen significant development in recent years such as Callow’s Yard and replacement UPVC windows in various properties, so we would want to argue that there should be a measure of flexibility in the interpretation of the guidelines’.

Commissioners’ chairman Colin Leather said: ’I have huge sympathy for the Methodist church. Costs are huge to run a church.’

Carol Quine said: ’Couldn’t they go for a grant as they’re in a conservation area?’Mr Leather added: ’We should give them our support.’