Appeal lodged against sewage treatment plant

The Peel Sewage Treatment Works was approved by planners last month

An appeal has been lodged against plans for a regional sewage treatment plant in the west of the Isle of Man.

Last month, a planning committee unanimously backed Manx Utilities' proposals for the Peel Sewage Treatment Works, situated west of Glenfaba Road.

The appellants, who have permission for a development of 21 houses on a nearby field, lodged the challenge on the grounds of "incorrect planning procedure and information supplied".

A spokesperson for Manx Utilities said it was "disappointed" that an appeal had been lodged but it remained "committed to deliver this critical national infrastructure".

The application will now be referred to a planning inspector for consideration along with submissions made either in writing or through a hearing inquiry.

Manx utilities had previously said construction was due to start in early autumn, with the facility due to be functional by the end of 2026.

'Alternatives'

The plans would see the construction of a new site access road, a motor control centre, seven integral rotating biological contactors to treat the waste, flow distribution chambers, UV treatment facilities and odour control units.

But the appellant said an environmental impact assessment had not taken place, and there was "no overriding national need" for the proposals to be located on chosen site.

There were "several more highly suitable alternatives" with "greater long-term benefit for the current and future population to be served", and the plant should be located away from residential and business areas, it said.

In a statement, government-owned utilities provider MU said a "significant amount of work" had been undertaken over the past 10 year to identify a location, which included assessing about 30 sites, carrying out local an engagement and completing a Environmental Impact Assessment.

"Manx Utilities is undeterred and remains committed to deliver this critical national infrastructure, and to conclude the works as soon as is reasonably practicable to cease the continuous discharge of raw sewage into Peel Bay," it added.