The Planning Authority has today approved the permit for the development of a “rural room” in an area known as Ta’ Muxi, Qala.

The Environment and Resources Authority issued a statement in response to what it said was the Planning Commission’s “final decision, in favour of the demolition of an existing dilapidated dwelling and the construction of a house with a swimming pool in Triq Ta’ Gafan,”

The ERA said that in its comments as “consultant” during the application phase of the project, ERA was very clear in stating that it “considers any proposed development and other physical interventions at this site unacceptable in principle.”

The ERA pointed out that the permitting of such proposal “creates a precedent for further built-up structures within this sensitive area, which cumulatively would result in the uptake of land in the countryside for unacceptable urban uses, with consequential additional impacts on the rural landscape and the visual amenity of the area.”

The site of the proposed development is located in a very sensitive rural location, the ERA said. “In fact, the site is directly within an Area of High Landscape Sensitivity (AHLS) atop a predominantly undisturbed rural coast.”

The Authority went on to say that “the existing stand-alone building appears to be an old traditional rural structure characterised by traditional features. This structure is an integral part of the character of the surrounding rural landscape.”

ERA said that it remains of the opinion that the proposed development will result in “over-development of the site.”

“It will also result in land parcelling and fragmentation of land, contributing to significant take-up of extensive tract of undeveloped rural land within the countryside,” the Authority said.

According to the ERA, “other impacts include the introduction of materials that are incompatible with the rural context and scenic qualities of the area.

“The introduction of light and miscellaneous disturbance on site and in the surrounding area will contribute to the ecological degradation of the wider area.”

The ERA concluded by saying that its objections were “justified and substantiated by Prof Victor Axiak during today’s PA Board meeting.”

Qala Mayor Paul Buttigieg in a facebook post soon after the decision was announced stated, “this permit should never have been granted. All reports recommended refusal.”

“As Mayor I represented Qala’s interests in this hearing.”

“The Qala community is shocked by the permit for extensive and intensive project on an untouched rural area,” he added.

Mayor Buttigieg concluded by saying, “the controversial Ta’ Muxi permit has gone ahead despite objections from all consultees. This cannot stop here.”

The Qala Council appointed a legal and technical team to represent it in relation to this application, with lawyer Dr Claire Bonello and architect Carmel Cacopardo appointed to represent them.

The Council had vowed to “safeguard the environment in the locality against unsustainable development or building which scars and compromises the countryside.”

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