The Planning Authority has welcomed a court decision taken last week, by the Court of Appeal, affirming that the PA acted within the law when granting approval for the transformation of an historic property in Victoria, Gozo into a new restaurant.

It said that this ruling “endorses the careful application of planning policies that balance urban regeneration with sustainable development.”

The Authority explained that the case centred around a proposal to convert an old, vacant building in Victoria into a small, “community-oriented restaurant.”

It said that the project underwent thorough review by the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal, which concluded that the site falls within Victoria’s designated Primary Centre, “an area explicitly permitted for small-scale commercial activities such as restaurants, cafés, and retail outlets under local planning policies.”

The Planning Authority noted that “the Court of Appeal’s decision reinforces that the development adhered to all requisite standards, including sanitary regulations and design guidelines. Notably, the project successfully met criteria for adequate ventilation and environmental health, following detailed assessment by the Sanitary Engineering Office, and was compliant with the provisions of S.L. 552.22.”

“This ruling exemplifies how the Planning Authority diligently and responsibly applies planning policies, while also highlighting a commitment to fostering local economic growth and urban revitalisation within the framework of sustainable development principles,” stated the Authority.

It concluded by saying that “the approval of this project underscores the importance of supporting the regeneration of established urban centres in Gozo, contributing to the local community’s vibrancy while maintaining environmental standards.”

Photo: PA

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