Planning Statement

Cathedral Isle of Man, Derby Road, Peel March 2026

Supporting Design Statement

Application: Information Required by Condition of Registered Building Consent

Ref: 18/00530/CON Description: Detail of decorative metal screen to South Transept The Site: Cathedral Isle of Man, Derby Road, Peel

CONTENTS

• 1.0 Planning Approval/Registered Building Consent
• 2.0 Design & detailing of the screen

Appendix I - Photographs & Images

• 1.0 Planning Approval/Registered Building Consent Internal and external modifications to the Cathedral were originally approved under PA:18/00529/GB & PA:18/00530/CON. Conditions relating to the Registered Building Consent were addressed during a revised application (PA:23/01015/CON), with the only outstanding item being the design and detailing of a decorative metal screen to be installed in the new external opening in the South Transept gable wall.

The first phase of the Reordering works to form the opening and carry out the internal alterations were completed towards the end of 2024. The next phase of the work has now commenced to complete the fit out of the north vestry and kitchen area as well as the installation of the external metal screen. This ‘Application for Information Required by Condition’ is therefore submitted to provide details of the decorative metal screen to comply with the condition 2(C) of the original Registered Building Consent.

• 2.0 Design & detailing of the screen The screen provides additional security to the Cathedral and will be closed and bolted shut at night. It consists of 4 individual panels that have been designed by local artist, Nicola Dixon, to form the single image of a ‘Tree of Life’ which is a theme appropriate to the Cathedral setting and teachings. The panels are formed with steel frames faced with Corten steel sheets with the design laser cut out of the sheets so that natural light is able to filter into the building.

The panels can be secured in place from inside the building so that the bolts are not visible from outside. A steel goal-post frame, anchored to concrete pad foundations, is set within the opening to provide hinge points for the heavy panels without impacting on the structural stability of the sandstone walls.

The panels will be held in an open position throughout the day and during public events as it forms an emergency egress route from the building. During strong winds the panels are designed to fold back on themselves to prevent them from being damaged.

Overall, the symbolism of the design is appropriate to the Cathedral, and the four panels reflect the 4 arches of the main stained glass windows above. The Corten steel will naturally weather over the next few months to form a rust patina sympathetic to the colour of the sandstone construction of the building.

Samson Designs Limited 2026

Appendix I – Photographs & Images

• Photograph 1: The arched stained glass window to the South Transept with new door opening and rendered surround formed below.
• Photograph 2: Detail of the new opening to receive the decorative metal screen. The ‘Tree of Life’ design is also etched onto the internal glazed timber doors.

Image 1: Manufacturer’s detail of the 4 panel metal screen with the ‘Tree of Life’ design. The panels are to be made in Corten steel and left to naturally weather and rust. The supporting goal post, shown in black, is to be powder coated and anchored to concrete pad foundations and will support the weight of the panels.