A Laxey café has won planning permission to create an indoor soft play area for families.

The owners of Ballacregga Tea Room & Restaurant, on Mines Road, applied in July to change the use of part of the premises.

The proposed play area will replace an events space previously used for wedding receptions and conferences, and currently occupied temporarily by a church group.

The applicants said the space was underused and could be put to better use.

The owners have now announced that the scheme has received planning approval.

The proposed change would not involve extending the building or altering its exterior. The owners believe it could bring more families to the venue during quieter periods outside the busy summer season.

In a social media post, they said: ‘We’re delighted to announce that planning permission for our new soft play area has officially been approved!

‘This is a huge step forward for us and for our plans to create somewhere families can come together, enjoy great food and let the little ones have fun too.

‘We’ve got exciting things planned for the future, and we can’t wait to share the next chapter with you.’

Their planning statement suggested that the proposed facility could also support longer opening hours.

It said: ‘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 owners say the play space would complement the existing café and restaurant.

The planning statement said: ‘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.’

They also believe the facility would diversify the business and provide another option for families.

The planning statement said: ‘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.’