Malta Environment & Planning Authority has said this afternoon that development works at a Grade 3 scheduled area adjacent to San Blas Bay, which were being carried out without planning permission, have now been stopped.

Earlier today, MEPA’s enforcement officers inspected the site and found that an iron gate and a metal frame were assembled on site. “Moreover, it was noticed that maintenance of the existing rubble walls had taken place and concrete was utilised to install a number of metal poles.”

MEPA said that during the site inspection, “Mr Joseph Portelli has declared to be the sole owner and that the site in question was private land.”

The Authority added that Mr Portelli also stated that works carried out last week were meant for ‘personal use’.

Since, the site in question is listed as Grade 3 Area of Ecological Importance, the officers immediately stopped the illegal work and an enforcement notice (ECF 139/14) together with a daily fine (maximum fine of €50 per day) was issued against Mr Portelli.

The Authority said it will continue to monitor the site to ensure that the removal of all illegal structures is carried out following a method statement approved by MEPA.

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