The MEPA Board earlier today approved the sanctioning of works on the façade of Carga House, Santa Venera, which houses the new MITA offices. The Board noted that the applicant was taking remedial action to disassemble and reinstall those parts of the cladding on the façade so as not project by more than 15cms from the building line, as permitted by policy 7.5 of the DC2007.
MEPA Chairman Mr Austin Walker said, “The Board strongly denounces the way MITA went about things. This government organization should be exemplary in abiding by the environment and planning laws and regulations, no matter the circumstances.”
The Mepa Board imposed the maximum fine, permissible by law, on the applicant for carrying out works without the necessary permit. The MEPA Board also approved planning permission for the construction of a retail block at Smart City in Kalkara. This approved development, which is located in the south eastern part of the site, will add 1,608 sqm of commercial space as approved in the master plan. Additionally, the MEPA Board also approved within the same site at Smart City, a planning permission for the change of use from office space to a clinic and pharmacy facilities.