Regional sewage works appeal draws to a close

Proposed sewage treatment works would bring great improvement to the quality of the sea around the west of the Isle of Man, a planning appeal hearing has been told.

Manx Utilities made the statement during the final day of an appeal hearing against approval of its plans to build the facility in Peel.

Nearby landowner David Jones objected on the grounds that his land, which has planning approval for 21 houses, would be affected by the development.

Independent planning inspector Jennifer Vyes heard three days of evidence about project and will now make a recommendation to the government over the approval of the plans.

The need for a sewage treatment works in Peel has been noted for some time and the island’s parliament has voted twice in favour of funding a regional plant in the town, once in 2019 and again in 2022.

Manx Utilities (MU) previously submitted an application in 2019 for a site at Glenfaba House, but a previous planning inspector had recommended it be refused, leading to its withdrawal.

MrJones and his witnesses, Peter Willers and Chris Robertshaw, also made their final arguments.

Mr Robertshaw said the reason for the need for a regional sewage plant in Peel was due to the original Meary Veg treatment plant in Santon being “undersized”.

Mr Jones concluded his case by arguing that the works would have a detrimental affect on nearby businesses in the fishery food park if approved.

Supporting the plans, MU’s legal representative James Burton argued that proposals would bring about "manifest betterment" to the quality of the sea around Peel Bay.

After Ms Vyes has collated the evidence heard during the appeal into a report, it will go to go to Minister of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Clare Barber to make a final decision.

Speaking after the hearing had concluded, Peel Commissioner Alan Jones said the people of the town would be “highly delighted” should plans be approved, adding that the local authority was “very much in favour” of the proposals.

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