11 comments so far.Proposed height limitation adjustment policy by MEPA
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Readers Letter – “I am surprised at the lack of coverage or concern about an incentive proposed by MEPA in which will see Hotels by-passing existing height restrictions as laid down under the local planning laws.
The document can be downloaded here. There is an email address where you can raise objections and I urge all that want, to make their views known before the closing date of the 8th of January. HotelHt@mepa.org.mt.
I object to the proposal on the following grounds ;-
MEPA should not make an exception to planning legislation for a “Special Case,” this sets a precedence and opens the door for other industries (non Tourist ) to apply for a waiver on height restriction. Even more worrying is the specter of other planning restrictions being waived for a ‘special case’.
I do not believe that creating larger hotels creates more jobs, it simply concentrates the wealth in the hands of a few. Two smaller hotels is good for competition and employs more people.
People come to Gozo because it is quite unique with a village like atmosphere and charm. There is a dearth of alternatives in the rest of Europe for those that enjoy the all-inclusive mega resorts focused on beach and parties. We should not try (we cannot) to compete with these large resorts but instead focus on Gozo’s unique values and provide accommodation that reflects these.”
Kerry Evison
It would have helped if you had included the document you are talking about!
James – it is, via the link embedded
Sorry, my mistake. Didn’t notice the embedded link.
Perseus said “Always take a deep breath before you post your next rant”
@Kerry Evison
Live and let live !!!
Where will the hotel be?
An Extract from the MEPA newsletter;-
In a drive to boost Malta’s competitiveness in the tourism market, which is the largest industry, MEPA has embarked on a consultation exercise to draw in feedback on the formulation of a policy which proposes an adjustment to the height limitations for hotels in the tourism zones of Mellieha, St Paul’s Bay, Bugibba, St Julians/Paceville, Sliema, Marsascala, Marsaxlokk,Birzebbugia, Marsalforn, Xlendi and Mgarr in Gozo.
The policy proposes a relaxation of the current height limitations; increasing this limit by two storeys in order to encourage the upgrade of existing hotels. These proposed changes are set to help improve Malta’s tourism product, as well as, aid hotels to keep up with the industry’s growing demands, as the current policy structure tends to hinder their development.
“Hotels are very important to the national economy especially since they provide employment and are an invaluable source of revenue generation. We should therefore work to encourage and support this industry.
However one must ensure that this is done in a sustainable manner, respecting the statutory environmental and health thresholds” explains Perit Mallia. The public is invited to submit its feedback on this policy to HotelHtl@mepa.org.mt by 8 January 2013. The policy document is available online, and can be accessed from http://www.mepa.org.mt/public-consultation.
But what hotels will take advantage of this and build bigger? The hotels on the front, Moby, St Patricks and San Andrea dont need to build higher and cannot see why they would want to as it would look put of place. They will only be fully booked in the summer months and probably wont be full to the rim anyway so cannot seem them wanting to spend money on extra rooms they dont need.
So they want to build another concrete jungle and whats next ? the way we see it there is a need for a cremetorim, constructed at the best pictoresc place in Gozo like the one in Nadur that the Gozo Curia and the Nadur church build on the farmers irregated water.
@Paul, I agree that hotels are underutilised, I think the Grand in Mgarr closes its ‘new ‘ wing for the winter months, yet they still extended even more in 2012. It must make economic sense for the owners, and something must have triggered MEPA to take a proactive role in facilitating development.
Again my main concern is that they will be making a sweeping “Special Case” exemption to existing planning laws.
Existing regulations should be sacrosanct, people make decisions regarding their homes and business based on these laws, and to change them to favour one party, in my mind is unjust.
Just to bring this post back in focus due to the approval of the proposal.