Covid has delayed the appointment of an inspector to head a planning inquiry into a new regional sewage works for the west of the island.

Manx Utilities submitted a planning application for the construction of a new sewage treatment works at Glenfaba on April 23 last year (19/00462/B).

The application, which has been referred for determination by the Council of Ministers, is still pending consideration.

Peel campaigner Trevor Cowin contacted the Cabinet Office to find out what time limits there were for the application to be referred to a planning inspector, whether an inspector had been appointed, and when a planning inquiry was likely to be held.

Andy Johnston at the Cabinet Office replied that the Covid crisis had caused delays.

He explained: ’Due to the current restrictions imposed as a result of the proclamation of emergency in relation to the Covid 19 pandemic an inspector has not been appointed.

’At this time we do not know when the application can be dealt with at a hearing and therefore which inspectors are available.

’I am therefore not able to give you a date for the inquiry.

’DEFA and Cabinet Office are looking in to mechanisms to allow both appeals and applications determined by CoMin to be progressed during the current restrictions imposed as a result of the proclamation of emergency in relation to the Covid 19 pandemic.’

Tynwald has approved spending of around £23.5m for Manx Utilities to complete its regional sewage treatment strategy.

The majority of Peel’s sewage is pumped out to sea, unscreened and untreated.

Glenfaba House was acquired by Manx Utilities in autumn 2017 for the site of the new works and was one of four options considered, including the Ballaterson fields next to the power station and Knockaloe.

Manx Utilities said the Glenfaba site would prevent large lorries from having to drive through the town to service the facility and would not require a bridge being built for access. It is expected to be completed by 2021.

Its initial planning application had to be amended as it described the proposal as being ’demolition of Glenfaba House and construction of a sewage treatment works and association pipeline and site works’.

That reference to Glenfaba House demolition was removed from the amended application submitted the following month - as much of the derelict former mansion house had already been flattened.

Patrick Commissioners has submitted what it believes to be a better plan for a new sewage treatment works (20/00344/A).

The local authority claims Glenfaba House is ’far from optimal’ and it would be better for the works to be built on fields between Glenfaba Road and the old railway line.