Work on sewage treatment in Garff and Peel could start in the ’early part’ of next year Manx Utilities has revealed.

The authority has met with commissioners in both regions to update them on plans to complete the island’s Regional Sewage Treatment Strategy.

MU’s previous plans for a treatment plant in the west were withdrawn last December after an independent planning inspector recommended refusing them.

Site reviews and selection processes are currently underway, with new (proposed by this year’s call-for-sites) and previously identified locations being assessed.

New planning applications are expected to be submitted in early 2022, with construction beginning once approval has been given and public consultations carried out.

Any work will take at least 18 months to complete.

MU said the assessment process in both areas will include: ’adequacy of the land area available, the land use zoning, proximity of residential areas, landscape and visual impact, the ecological and environmental impact (including carbon footprint calculations), and the requirements for any intermediate pumping stations needed’.

MU executive director Adrian Dobbins commented: ’We thank the commissioners for their valuable time, allowing us to discuss progress and to engage in useful debate.

’Delivering these schemes remains a priority for Manx Utilities and seeking local views and keeping community representatives informed is an important part in the process.’