A historic church in the heart of Castletown could become a place of worship once more after being converted into offices.

Living Hope Community Church has submitted a planning application to return the former St Mary’s Church, on The Parade in Castletown Square, to its original use.

Living Hope, which is based in Port St Mary, has been looking to establish new venues, including a proposed new building on Finch Road in Douglas.

In a planning statement, the applicant says: ‘Following its closure as a place of worship, the building was converted to office accommodation and is currently vacant.

‘The proposal seeks to return the building to its original ecclesiastical purpose.

‘The building will be used for regular worship services, prayer meetings, weddings, funerals and baptisms.’

The church also plans to use the building for community activities, pastoral support and charitable outreach.

The planning statement adds: ‘The proposal will bring a vacant historic building back into active use while respecting its architectural and historic significance.

‘Any alterations proposed will be limited to those necessary to facilitate its use as a church and will be designed to minimise impact on the historic fabric.’

Living Hope believes the proposals would provide a welcome opportunity to breathe new life into one of Castletown’s historic buildings.

The planning statement continues: ‘The proposal represents a sustainable reuse of an existing building without extending its footprint.

‘The former St Mary’s Church is a registered building of considerable architectural, historic and communal significance.

‘Returning the building to its original purpose preserves an important element of Castletown's historic environment and contributes positively to the vitality of Castletown Square.

‘Traffic generation is expected to be modest and concentrated around service times. Existing public parking within Castletown town centre is available to serve visitors.

‘The proposal secures the long-term occupation of an important historic building that is presently vacant.’

The application will be considered by planners in due course.