A planning application for Garff’s proposed new sewage treatment plant is due to be submitted by the end of this month.

In an update, Manx Utilities said the planning documentation for a plant to be built in Axnfell plantation is now being finalised.

It’s a significant step forward towards ending the pumping of raw sewage into Laxey and Garwick bays.

That goal has encountered setbacks and delays.

Manx Utilities looked at more than 50 sites for a new treatment works to serve Laxey and Baldrine.

Original plans for the plant to be built at the Cairn near Laxey harbour had little public support and failed to secure planning consent despite being recommended for approval.

Manx Utilities announced Axnfell as the preferred alternative site in April 2023.

It said it provides a pragmatic overall solution.

The Cairn and Glen Garwick will remain central to the project as the site for pumping stations.

Manx Utilities says it will only consider returning to the Cairn site as a site for the sewage treatments works should the current proposals for Axnfell not be accepted.

It says construction of the works at Axnfell to treat both Laxey and Baldrine flows will cost around 15% more than two separate sites at the Cairn and Glen Garwick, which in turn is around 35% less than connecting to the IRIS network.

Landowners directly impacted by pipeline routes have been contacted to ensure they are fully aware of our plans ahead of the submission, Manx Utilities said.

A meeting was held with Garff Commissioners on July 9 where the final plans were presented.

It is currently estimated that the works at Axnfell will take between 18 and 24 months to be constructed.

Work began on Peel’s long-awaited sewage treatment facility last month after being similarly dogged by years of delays.