Plans have been submitted (22/00568/GB) to make permanent the temporary cafe which has been running at the Point of Ayre.

It currently operates out of a shipping container in front of the lighthouse, without planning permission, with the government now having requested an application be put in.

The applicant said that the planning department also advised it would be better to locate the cafe inside one of the existing buildings, which this application now seeks to do – proposing the nearby workshop building which is currently used for storage.

Among the main work to be carried out would be the replacement of an existing PVC window with a metal-framed service hatch, the erection of temporary barriers, signage and exterior light fittings sourced from decommissioned ships.

There would also be various measures to make the business eco-friendly, including no plastics being used, porcelain or biodegradable cups used or a discount offered to those who bring their own.

The business would also join the government’s biosphere scheme, make donations to Manx Wildlife Trust, and display information about the surrounding wildlife on menus and signs.

Other potentially environmentally dangerous waste would be kept to a minimum, with bins being provided.