A planning decision on proposals for Peel’s new regional sewage treatment works has been further delayed.

Manx Utilities has supplied additional information for its planning application for Glenfaba House, Patrick (19/00462/B).

And the extra details reveal that plans to pump potentially toxic leachate from the former Raggatt tip should be discarded as they are not considered part of the application - indicating another delay on dealing with this issue, too.

Manx Utilities has already amended details of its planning application for a new sewage treatment works for Peel after incorrect notices were issued.

The application now omits reference to the demolition of historic Glenfaba House, a derelict former mansion house already reduced to rubble ahead of the scheme.

Now Manx Utilities has submitted additional information, about which the planning department is inviting comments by September 3.

The supplementary information includes references to tree and bat surveys, and odour assessment.

Manx Utilities first submitted the application in April but it is still pending consideration.

Planners stated: ’The department strives to determine applications within eight weeks of their receipt. Unfortunately in this instance the eight weeks has been exceeded.

’It is hoped that a recommendation and decision may be arrived at as soon as possible.’

The additional information from Manx Utilities for this planning application was provided following a request for clarification from the Planning Officer.

This included a list of properties closest to the site.

These locations had been reviewed by the Manx Utilities consulting engineers as part of the detailed dispersal modelling undertaken to design the odour control system for the facility.

This modelling has ensured that equipment for the site will be fully specified to minimise any risk of odour arising.

The likelihood of this occurring from the normal operations of the works is therefore extremely low due to the full and detailed assessment of wind directions and other factors taken into consideration.

A section on biodiversity notes that no bat roosts were found on the Glenfaba House site but special measures may be needed to protect common lizards due to the area likely to be highly suitable habitat for these reptiles.

A letter included with the additional information notes that drawings relating to the layout of the Raggatt leachate pumping station should be discarded and not considered as part of the application.

Leachate, containing a range of contaminants, is regularly taken by tanker from the former Raggatt tip and disposed of into the sewer at Mill Road, Peel.

From there it is discharged into the bay through the breakwater outfall.

Manx Utilities had been considering whether it is viable to treat the leachate at the proposed regional sewage treatment works.

Glenfaba House was acquired by Manx Utilities in autumn 2017 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.