Manx Utilities has indicated that it will not be possible to reduce the amount of space needed to build its new sewage works in the west of the island.

The authority’s application (19/00462/B) is for a new sewage treatment plant on the site of the former Glenfaba House in Peel.

The new facility is needed to bring an end to the dumping of raw sewage into Peel bay, and will be connected to the town’s existing sewer system.

Responding to concerns, the MUA has said that the required footprint of the site has proven ’unable to be reduced’ but that it has been ’kept as small as possible’.

In further information released this month, the MUA has said that it will limit the number of trees that need to felled for the construction of the site. However the number will still reach at least 166.