Manx Utilities has withdrawn its application for a sewage works at Glenfaba in Patrick, south of Peel.

Its decision came after an inspector recommended its refusal.

The decision appears to have been made on Wednesday afternoon but only after the Manx Independent asked for a comment from the organisation about its future. In its response, which the paper published, Manx Utilities made no mention of a decision to scrap the plan.

Then, a few hours later, it announced the decision to drop it.

A main reason cited in the inspector’s refusal recommedation was that the land was an ’area of high landscape or coastal value and scenic significance’ on which the development would have an ’adverse visual impact’.

It also highlighted concerns about the environmental and traffic impact of the plans.

It follows on from planners’ rejection of another proposed sewage treatment works in Laxey harbour, a move which was welcomed by the town’s residents this summer.

These were also part of phase 2 of MU’s regional sewage treatment strategy.

The works were intended to stop raw sewage being discharged into the sea, as is currently done in both Laxey and Peel.

However, MU says it is still committed to a regional sewage treatment strategy for the ’remaining island locations of Garff and Peel, as agreed by the board and Tynwald’.

MU chairman Tim Baker MHK said: ’Whilst we are obviously disappointed with the planning inspector’s conclusions, we will take the opportunity to reflect on the findings of the report in detail, provide further information if appropriate and consider the feasibility and costs of potentially newly available alternative sites.

’It is important to ensure we deliver the most sustainable, value for money solution which minimises the local environmental impact whilst meeting Tynwald objectives.

’Recognising the reasons for the inspector’s conclusions, the possible emergence of previously unavailable sites, and the evidence submitted by interested parties at the hearing particularly in relation to tree and habitat loss, Manx Utilities has taken the decision to withdraw its current application.

’However we remain determined to bring forward solutions which will bring to an end the disposal of raw sewage into both Peel and Laxey bays.’

Glenfaba House was bought by Manx Utilities in 2017 for £600,000 as the site for the new treatment works.

The old mansion house was demolished in April last year before the authority had even applied for planning consent for the new works.