A new policy framework for fuel stations has been published for public consultation by the Planning Authority.

The Authority said that this comes following months of intense consultation with various entities and stakeholders, and the new proposed policy will guide the future evaluation of planning applications related only to the relocation of existing fuel stations which are currently having an adverse impact on urban areas.

This proposed policy framework, once approved, will repeal the existing Fuel Service Stations Policy which was approved in April 2015, the PA said.

It explained that relocated fuel stations must be sited in designated industrial areas, small and medium enterprise sites, Areas of Containment or Open Storage sites identified in the Open Storage Policy.

It added that other areas designated for development in the local plan excluding Residential Areas and Residential Priority Areas, and Urban Conservation Areas, deemed safe by the Authorities will also be considered.

Areas within ODZ which already have a permitted/legally commitment on site and which are not related to agriculture and/or animal husbandry, may also be considered by the Authority, it added.

However, the Authority went on to say that such sites will only be considered, if a wider environmental benefit is achieved and the development is compatible with the context of the area.

“In such cases, the total footprint will not exceed the existing permitted/legally committed footprint and not exceed 1000m².”

Sites already occupied by permitted fuel stations will be allowed to upgrade, the PA said. “Should a permitted fuel station be in an ODZ, upgrading works may not exceed the existing footprint or 1000sq.m, whichever is the larger.”

The upgrades that will be allowed will be limited to statutory and regulatory obligations, ancillary facilities and/or the introduction of dispensing facilities for alternative fuels such as CNG, LPG and electric charging stations, said the Authority.

It added that no footprint limit will apply if the permitted fuel station is within the development boundary subject to neighbourhood safety and compatibility.

Those existing fuel stations which, following consultations with Transport Malta and MRA, are not deemed to create issues of amenity, safety or transport, will not be eligible for relocation. Existing fuel stations located partially or fully in ODZ will also not be eligible for relocation, the Authority said.

The redevelopment and change of use of existing fuel stations located partially or fully in ODZ will not be considered. The height of a proposed fuel station will not exceed 7 metres.

The PA explained that the new policy is also proposing that any fuel station permitted by this new policy document which is not used for its permitted purpose for a period of three consecutive years will “be demolished at the expense of the owner, and the site has to return to agricultural state.”

The Planning Authority is inviting all interested parties to send in their submissions related to the proposed policy framework.

Representations are to be made in writing and sent to postal address: Planning Authority, Director of Planning, St Francis Ravelin, Floriana FRN1234 or through email: FSSP_review@pa.org.mt. The proposed Fuel Stations Policy may be viewed on the PA’s website by clicking here.

Submissions must reach the Authority by not later than the 14th of June 2019.

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