Permission has been granted to convert the former Ramsey Courthouse into a multifunctional community centre.

The town’s commissioners applied (19/00811/GB) to make several alterations to the courthouse, which they purchased in 2017 from the Department of Home Affairs.

We previously reported that the plans for the courthouse will see the ceiling above the main hall being removed along with the suspended ceiling in the room above to open up the hall to the full height of the roof.

That will allow the main hall to be used for a variety of community events ranging from food markets to live performances, to film showing and residents’ meetings.

In his report, planning officer Chris Balmer said of the courthouse: ’The building is one of the few remaining works of the internationally reputed architect George Stuart, who also designed the Castle Mona for the Duke of Atholl.

’The building is again one of the finest civic buildings in the island and is now over 220 years old. Again, much of the merits lies in the completeness of the work and the fact it is still very much intact, especially externally.’

The interior of the building will, aside from the ceiling, remain unchanged in its layout. But the use of rooms will change. For example the former police cells will be retained with the commissioners suggesting they could be used as an office or a sound studio.

The space to the western side of the hall has been designated on the plans as a potential cafe or artisan coffee shop. And the rear of the central hall will be opened up more to provide better lighting through roof lights and access to the rear courtyard which could be used for community events.

In June, we reported that the commissioners had agreed a deal in principle with The Heart of Ramsey (THOR) Limited, a not-for-profit charitable organisation, ’to bring forward the next stage of development’ for Ramsey courthouse.

It gives THOR a 12-month period of exclusivity to allow the trustees to finalise their plans and secure funding for the proposed alterations to the building.

Chairman of Ramsey Commissioners Andy Cowie told the Examiner he is ’delighted’ that the application has been approved.

Mr Cowie added: ’This will allow The Heart of Ramsey group to put concrete plans in place and secure the funding necessary.

’It is a big step forward and it is pleasing that the planning team have recognised the importance of this project to not only develop a more suitable community facility but to maintain the historic significance and appearance of the building.

’We look forward to working with THOR on the next steps to implement the development for the benefit of the town.’

The Heart of Ramsey is led by trustees Tim Baker MHK, Georgie Revill, Chris Penketh, Nigel Watson and Emma Watson.