Appeal against approval of Peel sewerage plans begins

Independent planning inspector Jennifer Vyse made it clear that the hearing would only consider the application for the site itself, and not how the facility would operate or handle sewage.

Those issues would be covered by other laws and regulations, she told call participants.

The second part of the hearing focused on “reasonable” alternatives for the site, with Knockaloe Farm and Glenfaba House proposed by Mr Jones.

But MU told the inspector it had been rejected by a planning inspector because of its wooded nature and other reasons.

Pumping sewage directly to the Meary Veg treatment plant in Santon was also seen as “unreasonable” by the utility due to the infrastructure required to bring it to the former farm, the hearing was told.

The appeal, which will last three days, will continue.