A plea by the Environment and Resources Authority for the suspension of a development on a ridge edge in Zebbug, Gozo has been upheld by the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal – EPRT.

The application – PA/08279/18 – is for the development of a villa in Sqaq Anton Mallia and in its appeal, the ERA reiterated that the proposed development “will completely eradicate the cliff edge and formalise a site that is currently in a pristine site, while creating a private belvedere.”

The Authority in a statement, explained that this means that the developer cannot proceed with works until a decision by the EPRT is taken and the decision on this development permit will need to be given within three months from 9th September.

The ERA also stated that “the site in which the proposed development is located is sensitive and the development is not in line with the objectives of the Strategic Plan for Environment and Development (SPED). ”

While three quarters of the site in question is in a zone outside development, the Authority added.

The ERA also stated before the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal, “that without any explanation, the Planning Commission ignored what was brought before it by ERA’s Case Officer, as well as the advice of external consultants and objectors.”

The ERA also expressed its concern in view of the way in which permission was approved, despite the fact that the applicant did not provide the information that was requested by ERA, the Design Advisory Committee of the Planning Authority and the Planning Directorate, the Authority said.

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