Cathedral's cemetery expansion plans approved

Plans to expand a cemetery in the west of the Isle of Man have been approved.

Cathedral Isle of Man lodged the application earlier this year proposing to buy land opposite Peel Cemetery on Douglas Road, as it was at risk of running out of capacity "in a decade".

In its decision, the planning authority stated the work would begin before 2030, but would require the cathedral to submit detailed plans of measures to protect trees, plants, and managing surface water.

It described the extension as "proportionate" and needed to meet an "overriding community need".

The application was submitted by the cathedral Dean, the Very Reverend Nigel Godfrey, who is also the chairman of the German Burial Authority.

He said the additional land was half the size of the existing cemetery and would allow for "several thousand" burial plots.

The application also outlined how access to the field would be made available by breaking down the wall that separated the land from the present cemetery.

The planning authority said the plans "satisfied" multiple policies, including one which made exceptions based on whether there was any alternative option.

"This represents a proportionate extension to an established burial ground, meeting an overriding community need in a location directly adjoining the existing cemetery," the decision notice issued by interim director of planning and building control, Abigail Morgan, said.

"The woodland design, modest structures, and naturalistic layout respect rural character and, with secured planting and management, will enhance landscape quality," it said, and the scheme also avoided "demonstrable harm to the watercourse and protects water quality".

"The access arrangements are acceptable, as the approved layout ensures safe entry, internal circulation, and parking provision," it added.

Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.