Plans for a new treatment plant in Old Laxey, have been met with concern from its potential neighbours.

Manx Utilities wants to replace the holding tank at the eastern end of the village harbour with a modern facility to end the pumping of raw sewage into the sea.

Treated effluent from the sewage farm would be discharged into the sea and would meet 2006 bathing water quality standards set by the EU, according to MU chairman Dr Alex Allinson MHK.

The plant itself would consist of two ’integrated rotating biological contractors’, an underground pumping station, buildings for screening and UV treatment. A new bridge is also needed to allow tankers to access the site.

The plant is estimated to cost ’several million pounds.Dr Allinson said he couldn’t divulge an exact figure without compromising any future tender process.

It’s understood the cost of building the facility will be paid via the £23.5m budget set aside to provide new sewerage infrastructure in Laxey, Peel and Baldrine.

Members of the Best for Laxey protest group say the chosen location, known as the Cairns site, is ’totally inappropriate’. They’re worried about the visual impact and potential for smells, while many do not want to see tankers driving out of the village up Minorca Hill, close to Laxey school.

Other concerns include the impact on tourism, the effect on local businesses, and fears a new bridge could be at risk during major flooding.

Residents are questioning why similar plants have been built well outside populated areas, while the intended Laxey facility is right in the middle of the village. As an alternative, the group wants Manx Utilities to pump the village’s sewage to the central treatment facility at Meary Veg, Santon, by connecting it to IRIS infrastructure.

Dr Allinson said that MU ruled out this proposal due to the ’cost, and severe disruption’ it would cause, and asserted his belief the proposed plant is the ’best scheme’.

Garff Commissioners have organised a public meeting for Tuesday, March 3, from 7pm in the Pavilion at the Glen Gardens to discuss the matter.