PLANS have been approved to make structural changes to a historic building to turn it into a nursery.

An application was issued to make internal alterations to grade II-listed Tyldesley Top Chapel on Elliott Street and last week Wigan Council gave the proposals the green light.

A planning report states the changes include installing new internal walls for the use of a nursery.

This will lead to the creation of classrooms, sleep areas, a kitchen, a staff room, offices and ancillary facilities on the ground floor and lower ground floor.

No external alterations to the building are proposed.

The report states: "The proposed alterations will enable the building to be used as a much-needed community facility.

"Ensuring the building is continuous use will help to retain its heritage status, especially when internal changes are minimal."

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A grade II* listed John Nicholson organ, which dates back to 1859, will remain at the site.

In May, around 685 of the instrument's 954 metal pipes were ripped out by thieves.

Around 60 per cent of the pipes were lead and 40 per cent were wood. The pipes that were left were mainly wood.