Odour, land slippage and noise raised as concerns on day two of sewage treatment works appeal

Manx Utilities' mapping and modelling was scrutinised by appellant David Jones

The appeal hearing into the planned sewage treatment works on Glenfaba Road in Peel continued today.

Manx Utilities and appellant David Jones have been putting further evidence across to Inspector Jennifer Vyes about why it should or shouldn’t be approved.

Odour was raised as one of the main concerns in the hearing today. 

Mr Jones, the appellant, told the hearing that mapping used by Manx Utilities was wrong and odour would impact his site more than what was modelled.

The MUA’s advocate James Burton said the modelling provided by Arcadis showed that Mr Jones’ site would only be ‘slightly’ impacted.

This equates to less than one ‘odour unit’ and was measured from the closest point on his land to the proposed treatment works.

The sites character and appearance as well as land stability were also raised by the appellants.

The MUA said in its plans that the site would be seen from the old railway line and would also be seen from Peel, but so is the power station.

Mr Jones claimed that he had been told previously not to build sheds in the gardens of the houses he was building because they would be visible from the heritage trail, and believes this is why it shouldn’t be there.

Other queries raised by Mr Jones about construction included land slippage - with an expert from Arcadis, saying contour lines on a map don’t indicate this occurring into Mr Jones land.

Manx Utilities said they will build a base at the bottom of a slope to ensure its safety from debris.

Noise was raised as a concern due to sludge being pumped from tankers to the site - the MUA modelled this on a worst case scenario basis of three tankers pumping at the same time. 

They had been measured at the closest point to Mr Jones' field, which the utility body said wouldn't be possible anyway because there will only be one pump point close to his field. 

The loss of employment land is also a contention point for Mr Jones as he had previously requested to build a factory but this was refused by planning. 

Currently land nearby the site is designated as cultural and light industrial and Mr Jones' claimed it would be detracting from future ventures and people should be able to work near where they live.

Tomorrow, Inspector Jennifer Vyes will hear conditions for the site if its approved and closing statements from both Manx Utilities and David Jones.