Plans to renovate the island’s cathedral have moved closer after planners backed one of the two necessary planning applications.

The plans for Cathedral Isle of Man (formerly St German’s Cathedral) in Peel involve internal changes to provide a kitchen, multifunction space and new cafe facilities.

The applications (18/00925/GB) and (18/00530/CON) state the aim is to upgrade the building to provide better access for wider community use.

Planners have granted permission for the first application. However before the work can be carried out, the second one, necessary for registered buildings such as the cathedral, will need to be granted.

Changes that will become noticeable will be the removal of the cast iron pipe heating system. The system will be replaced with under floor heating which will heat the building more efficiently

In ruling to back the plans, the planning committee, chaired by Ayre and Michael MHK Tim Baker, set down a number of conditions for the application.

Alongside the standard requirement for development work to begin within four years of the approval date, the cathedral will need to undertake a bat survey and have it approved by the Department for Environment, Food and Agriculture.

This is to ensure that to ensure that the animal ’which is protected under the Wildlife Act 1990, are not endangered’. If any bats are found, appropriate mitigation must be included in the report and undertaken in accordance with the approved details.

And prior to the undertaking of any excavation for the installation of the air source heat pump, detailed plans of the location of the works and the necessary engineering works with details of any externally apparent construction must be approved by the department.

It is not known why the registered building application was not resolved at the same time as the first application. However, Isle of Man Newspapers will provide an update if and when a decision is made.