The Malta Environment and Planning Authority has issued a statement saying that it will continue to help the Ghajnsielem Local Council in organising the Christmas Village, ‘Betlehem f’Ghajnsielem.’

MEPA said that the Local Council is fully aware that if it wants to put up the village all it has to do is notify the Authority according to its simple procedures and that MEPA always supports and encourages those who promote such cultural activities.

MEPA said that the application to which the Local Council was referring is slightly different to the usual Christmas Village that is being mentioned. “The current application proposes the development of a recreational rural park in the area known as ‘Ta’ Passi,’ this proposal includes some development which falls outside the development scheme.

The application also includes proposals for a building to accommodate the operations of the Local Council, other facilities and structures, it therefore needs to be made clear that this application goes beyond the annual activity called Christmas Village, the Authority said.

The Authority added that it is their responsibility to ensure that this application, like all others on sites that fall partially outside the development zone, is processed in detail, according to Law, since the structures proposed are permanent.

MEPA also reiterated that in September 2011 it had informed the Local Council that in order for it to be in a position to process the application the Council would have to submit fresh plans as well as additional information, such as an environmental study.

The Authority concluded that it had also said that the permanent structures proposed in the application had to be moved within the development confines.

Permalink: MEPA in support of Betlehem f’Ghajnsielem Christmas Village