The historic home of a 19th century MHK has been reduced to rubble.

Glenfaba House has been demolished to make way for the proposed new regional sewage treatment works for Peel.

Manx Utilities has yet to apply for planning permission for the new works - but insists that it didn’t need planning consent for the demolition and has followed the correct procedure.

campaigner

But campaigner Trevor Cowin believes otherwise.

He has written to Tynwald members claiming that Manx Utilities has breached planning control.

Mr Cowin said: ’It’s common knowledge that Manx Utilities has purchased Glenfaba House, Patrick, for the purpose of constructing on the site a new sewage treatment works.

’I’m not aware, however, that the MUA or anyone else has submitted a planning application for such development.

’The works currently being carried out at Glenfaba House fall within the meaning of development.’

Mr Cowin pointed out that breaches of planning control could result in a fine of £5,000 on summary conviction.

He added: ’I cannot see how the department could issue a demolition order if a planning application hasn’t been made and planning approval given.

’Also, they’ve carried out development which isn’t connected with the demolition.’

Neighbours were notified by Manx Utilities of the intention to demolish Glenfaba House as part of the requirement of the demolition notice process operated by building control.

Demolition only took place after the notice was granted, an MU spokesman said, adding: ’Demolition does not require planning permission.’

The spokesman explained that the authority requested a ’quick quote’ under government financial regulations for the demolition works.

She said: ’That process was completed and a ’demolition direction’ was issued by DEFA’s planning and building control on February 22 under Section 27 of the Building Control Act 1991.

’The demolition has now been completed.’

She added: ’The stone recovered from the demolition will either be cleaned or put to one side for the Manx stone walls to be constructed at the entrance to the new works or to be crushed to form materials to be incorporated in the future works.

’This action minimises the number of vehicle movements needed for the demolition and also has the benefit of reducing the number of future vehicle movements necessary to bring to site material needed for the sewerage treatment works construction.’

Glenfaba House was built for Captain Cameron who was sworn in as an MHK in June 1848.

It was bought by Manx Utilities in 2017 for £600,000 from the beneficiary of the previous deceased owner’s estate.

The authority said that the condition of the building, after years of neglect, was too poor to retain even the facade.

But it says historic equipment, including an old water wheel, will be saved and removed for restoration.