A popular café in Laxey is looking to provide an indoor play area on its premises.

The owners of Ballacregga Tea Room & Restaurant on Mines Road has submitted a change of use planning application to provide the play area.

The building currently has an events area which has been used for the likes of wedding receptions and conferences and is currently being used by a church group on a temporary basis.

But the applicant argues the area is underused and wants to provide the play area.

In the planning statement, the applicant says: ‘The application site comprises an established café/restaurant and a separate multi-functional event venue operating from the same premises.

‘The event space benefits from a separate entrance and ancillary facilities while maintaining a functional relationship and direct internal link with the café/restaurant.

‘The existing café/restaurant currently operates seven days per week between the hours of 9.30am and 4pm. Historically, the premises also operated during evening hours, however, this ceased due to insufficient demand to sustain extended opening times.

‘The multi-functional event space is presently occupied on an average of twice per week by a church group, typically accommodating approximately 50 attendees per session.’

The café owners believe the proposal would operate seamlessly alongside the café and restaurant.

The planning statement says: ‘The proposal will create a safe, two-level accessible and family-oriented indoor recreational facility within the existing building.

‘The development will operate alongside the established café/restaurant, which will continue to provide seating and refreshment facilities for families, carers and visitors.

‘No extensions, structural alterations or changes to the external appearance of the building are proposed.’

The applicant argues the plans will help diversify the business while providing a much-needed facility.

The statement says: ‘The proposal represents a logical diversification of the existing operation, broadening the range of activities available at the site while remaining consistent with its long-established role, providing leisure, recreation and community-based activities.

‘The existing café/restaurant experiences strong seasonal demand, particularly during the summer months.

‘The introduction of the indoor play facility will help support more consistent all-year-round use of the premises, encouraging greater utilisation of existing facilities and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the business.

‘In addition to serving local families, the proposed facility will provide an attractive all-weather leisure destination for visitors to the island.

‘The development will complement the existing tourism within the area and contribute to the availability of family-friendly attractions, particularly during periods of poor weather when outdoor recreational opportunities may be limited.’

Overall, the applicant argues the proposals provide an important addition to the village without any major development needed.

The planning statement concludes by saying: ‘The proposal will make effective use of an existing building and associated infrastructure while providing a valuable all year-round recreational facility for local families and visitors.

‘It will support the continued viability of the existing café/restaurant and wider business operation without requiring physical expansion of the premises.

‘The development will provide a valuable community facility, support local economic activity and enhance the attractiveness of the area for families.’