A masterplan for Ely Cathedral to be unveiled next week will include a conservatory extension to the café extending out onto the well manicured lawn.

The proposal is part of a massive revamp that includes interior workings to the cathedral shop to make it more customer friendly.

Conservationists and traditionalists will examine the drawings in detail but cathedral staff believes a massive uplift to catering and for retail sales is long overdue.

Cathedral staff spoken today by the Ely Standard were unsure of the complete scheme to be unveiled but were of the belief it will benefit the thousands of visitors who flock there each year.

The 12th century cathedral – that began as a monastery in the 7th century- attracts well over 250,000 visitors a year; it costs £6,000 a day to run.

A cathedral spokesman said: “The cathedral Chapter have been working closely with a team of leading experts with a focus on the long term plans for the cathedral and the landscape which surrounds it.

“They now feel they have reached a stage where they would like to share their thinking and present a range of possible options to the wider community of Ely.”

Detailed drawings of the changes will be on display in the South West Transept of the Cathedral from June 7 for seven days.

The spokesman added: “The cathedral will welcome any comments and feedback forms will be provided.”