The former Isle of Man Bank building in Ballasalla could become a soft and sensory play centre for young children.

An application (19/01328/C) for a change of use of the building has been submitted by Mama Bear’s.

The centre would be called the Cub House and it would provide ’a safe and child centric play environment for young children to enjoy the latest soft play equipment,’ said Mama Bear’s.

They added: ’Equipment will be suitable for children from birth to six years old and soft play structure and building layout is designed to give optimal visibility for the supervising parent/carer whilst being fun and interactive for the child at play.’

The centre would also include ’purpose built quiet and sensory rooms for children with special educational needs to play and receive therapy in an appropriate environment.

The facilities will be the first publicly available spaces of this nature available in the island and the applicant believes it would greatly enhance provision available to the island’s SEN population.

It would operate Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm.

There would be five, 90-minute sessions from Monday to Saturday and on Sundays there would be a bespoke autism session between 10am and noon followed by two two-hour sessions. They estimate each session would accommodate seven children with an average of four caregivers. There would be two members of staff Monday to Friday and three members of staff on Saturday and Sunday.

The plan includes a small café area providing coffee, cakes and snacks for patrons.

There is parking on site and the operators are looking at leasing parking nearby.

A plan to run a Peri Peri Chicken Victoria Grill restaurant and takeaway at the building was refused by planners due to concerns over its impact on parking and neighbouring properties.