6 comments so far.MHH welcomes Hondoq decision & calls for ODZ status to be returned
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Moviment Harsien Hondoq has said that it is delighted by the Planning Authority’s decision at the public hearing on the 30th of June, where they finally, unanimously voted against the proposed development at Hondoq ir-Rummien.
MHH said in a statement that, “it has been a long 14 year struggle, and would not have been possible without the help and support of 1000’s of people. Every one that wrote, spoke, signed petitions, and showed opposition to this project, were all involved in helping. Everyone’s input made a difference. Thanks to each and every one of you.”
“Special thanks go to the former Qala Council, and the present Council – for their continued support, and all the NGO’s (Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Ramblers Association, Nature Trust, Din L-Art Helwa, FOE Malta, Zminijietna and many others).”
MHH said, “however, the window is still open for new applications to be submitted to develop Hondoq with ‘low density’ buildings due to the changes made in the 2006 Local Plan, which meant the area changed from an ODZ area “for agricultural use or afforestation,” to an area where “Tourism and marine related development may be considered”. This obviously facilitated the developers application.”
“This change was done without consultation with Qala Local Council, or the public, and according to the Planning Authority’s Audit Office, this lack of consultation should not have happened, considering the ‘substantial’ nature of the changes.”
MHH added that it objects to any sort of development – “as once any sort of accommodation is built, a precedent has been set for further construction to take place. Unless this loophole is closed, this saga will never end.”
“In the light of the Planning Authority’s refusal, and the wishes of over 4,400 people who signed the petition, the area should now be returned to its original ODZ status. This would also fit in with FAA’s call to have Hondoq designated as being in the Public Domain, to be preserved in its natural state.”
“Finally, there is the ‘ransom rubbish.’ MHH stated that “the developers are using the fact that the land is untidy with rubbish as a reason for it being suitable for development (and even tried to emphasise this at the hearing with pictures of some old discarded fridges and a tyre).”
“They are responsible for cleaning the area, but won’t as it suits their cause – even to the extent of refusing access so the Gozo Ministry could clear it.” said MHH.
“An old tyre or fridge is not an excuse for a multi-million euro speculative development. The land should simply be tidied.”
MHH concluded by saying they would like to say a huge thank you to the Planning Authority, for taking the logical, and sensible decision to save Hondoq from being ruined by development – “so we can all enjoy the beautiful coast that Gozo still has to offer. Please now return the land to its original ODZ status.”
I feel this will still be ongoing developers put in large plans to allow planner to knock back until they say yes to plans the developers really wants.The scale of the plans were far to big I think everyone should watch out for new plans which will be down sized.
We should all thank Mr Paul Buttigieg for all of this. He has been campaigning against this monstrosity from day one. We should all be thankful for his achievements he is a champion . Hopefully that area will be an odz again so that we citizens can rest our minds. Mr Buttigieg certainly deserves a republic medal for his acheivments
Why can’t Malta accept the fact that no means no? Everybody besides the developer concerned have spoken on this subject and they have said no and yet the threat is still hanging over the area like the Sword of Damocles. The changes to the Local Plan carried out in 2006 without consultation were did for one reason and one reason only, to make it easier for this area to be developed. So who was behind this and what did they expect to get in return? As for the rubbish in the area this has been used for years in Malta. They tried the same thing at the old heliport using it as a dump and then some kind person says if you let us build a nice airfield we will promise to clean the area up! Once and for all end this stupid back and forward tennis match and declare the area protected for all time for the benefit of all the people and all future generations.
It is heartening to hear that there will be no large development at Hondoq for the foreseeable future but it both amuses and annoys me that people use adjectives such as ‘pristine’ and ‘idyllic’ when describing the area. Hondoq consists of a massive concrete car-park, a tiny stony beach, a scruffy derelict building and a litter strewn ex-quarry! In my opinion, that does not define pristine or idyllic!
Nigel The area was left with all that rubish I quote what Mr Buttigieg said ( Finally, there is the ‘ransom rubbish.’ MHH stated that “the developers are using the fact that the land is untidy with rubbish as a reason for it being suitable for development (and even tried to emphasise this at the hearing with pictures of some old discarded fridges and a tyre).” At least with his dedication we will be able to enjoy that area for a long time to come
Paul just to let you know how much we do appreciate you stamina and dedication to save that area. When we visit Gozo hondoq ir-rummien is a must for us to swim cause it is so clean. Kudos and Well done for PA board