Peel Sewage Treatment Works would bring 'manifest betterment' to the town

The final day of the appeal into the site was held today

Today was the final day of the planning appeal hearing for the Peel Sewage Treatment Works.

Inspector Jennifer Vyse heard evidence for conditions which could be imposed if the application is approved and the closing arguments from parties.

These conditions cover a number of different parts of the works.

Condition eight for a fungi survey and management regime was adapted, because a survey had been carried out but the report was being awaited.

David Jones, the appellant, suggested an extra condition should be a new, longer outfall pipe is installed in Peel Bay.

He claimed the current one is not up to modern standards – but the MUA’s legal representative James Burton said it shouldn’t be considered as its outside the application site and will be dealt with by DEFA’s licensing committee.

The inspector heard closing statements from all the parties involved. 

She first heard from Peel Commissioners, the clerk Derek Sewell and Commissioner Alan Jones.

They both reiterated how important it was for the people of Peel to have a sewage treatment works and asked her to dismiss the appeal and approve the application.

Then she heard from Mr Burton on behalf of Manx Utilities, they maintained that the Glenfaba Road site is their preferred site and should be the one that is approved by her.

He added the proposals will bring about ‘manifest betterment’ to the quality of the sea around Peel Bay.

Finally David Jones and his witnesses, Peter Willers and Chris Robertshaw made their final say.

Mr Robertshaw said the fault for the need for a regional sewage plant in Peel lies with Meary Veg and it being ‘undersized’.

He also said the ‘best’ he can say about the application is that it is ‘something’.

Mr Willers said that said that the ‘over-riding’ national need could’ve been met if the government had rejected the inspectors report into Glenfaba House

He also reiterated his previous comments that public consultation is needed in an environmental impact assessment.

Mr Jones, ended his case by saying the proposed site brings a ‘threat’ to peel residents and business in the nearby food park would be affected by the works if it was approved.

He also claimed the application goes against the Island’s strategic plan.

The inspector will now collate the evidence she’s heard over the last three days as well as the written submissions and form a report.

She said this would be done as efficiently as possible and once complete will go to the DEFA Minister Clare Barber and it will be up to her to make the final decision.