A graveyard in the south of the island could be extended under new proposals.

The Malew Burial Authority has submitted a planning application which would see the graveyard on land opposite Malew Church almost double in size.

The applicant says the current site is full and the new extension would create enough burial space for the next 10 to 15 years.

In the planning statement, the applicant says: ‘This application by the wardens of Malew and Santon on behalf of the burial authorities seeks approval for a one acre extension to the east of the burial ground for Malew and Castletown.

‘Extensive negotiations have taken place since 2021 to secure the land adjacent to the burial ground.

‘The present burial ground is full. It is expected that this extension will serve the continuing demand for burial space in Malew and Castletown for at least 10 to 15 years.

‘The extension will preserve and enhance the continued use, heritage and national importance of the burial ground and the adjacent Malew Church.’

The applicant says there is no need for extra parking provision.

The planning statement says: ‘Parking is to remain on the roadside, as existing, and both the parking and pedestrian crossing could be improved by the provision of an upgrade to the existing warning signage.

‘The continued use of the existing parking arrangements, with potential improved warnings, will mean that farmland is not lost through the provision of off-road parking.

‘It is not expected that there will be an increase in the number of visitors to the burial ground that will affect the volume of vehicles parking on the road.

‘The existing on road parking is itself a form of passive traffic management and alerts road users that an event or service is taking place.’

The application will be considered by planners in due course.