Appeal against western sewage works plans begins

The Manx Utilities project had been due for completion in 2025 but has been delayed by a year

An appeal hearing against the approval of plans for a regional sewage treatment works in the west of the Isle of Man to prevent raw waste being pumped into the sea has begun.

Plans for the Peel regional plant west of Glenfaba Road were unanimously approved in July, with construction planned for 2026.

David Jones, who is the owner of land near the proposed site, lodged the appeal against the Manx Utilities (MU) project.

He raised concerns about impact on approved plans for a housing development on his nearby land, and the “lack of public consultation" on an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Mr Jones argued that such a public consultation was a requirement in the UK.

Representing MU, James Burton told the hearing that a series of public information events were held in Peel, and the public feedback gathered was included in the environmental statements on the planning application.

Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture officer Russell Williams also confirmed that under the Town and Country Planning Act, an applicant did not need to consult publicly during an EIA process.

But he acknowledged that public participation was included as part of the planning process.

'Unreasonable'

Independent planning inspector Jennifer Vyse made it clear that the hearing would only be considering the application for the site itself, and not how the facility would operate or treat sewage.

Those issues would fall under different legislation and regulations, she told those taking part in the appeal.

The second part of the hearing dealt with “reasonable” alternatives to the site, with Knockaloe Farm and Glenfaba House suggested by Mr Jones.

But MU told the inspector the latter had been rejected by a planning inspector due to its woodland nature and other reasons.

Pumping sewage straight to the Meary Veg treatment facility in Santon was also seen as "unreasonable" by the utilities provider due to the infrastructure needed to get it to the former farm, the hearing was told.

The appeal, which is scheduled to last for three days, continues.