1 comment.Permit revocations “a positive step towards safeguarding ODZ” – ERA
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The decision by the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal (EPRT) on Thursday to revoke PA 08279/18 for the development of a villa in Sqaq Anton Mallia in Zebbug, Gozo, and PA 06443/17 for the development of a dilapidated building situated in an ecologically sensitive valley in Wied Ghomor, Malta, has been welcomed by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA).
The Authority said that it was “a positive step forward towards safeguarding ODZ.”
The ERA explained that PA 08279/18 was granted on the 26th of June this year to develop a class 1A villa on a cliff edge which is currently in pristine condition.
It said that “the development would therefore have completely eradicated the cliff edge and formalised the site which is located in a sensitive area.”
The appeal was upheld on the basis that the impact on the environment caused by this development would have been extensive, the ERA said.
The tribunal also determined that the removal of an existing blank party wall provides no gain when compared to the damage which will be sustained by the natural stone foundations and garigue which are of high conservation value.
With regards to PA 06443/17, the ERA said that this was granted on the 12th of June this year, to make alterations to the existing farmhouse and make extensions at ground floor and first floor level.
The Authority explained that the permit had granted permission to excavate a basement, pool, deck area and landscaping and would have allowed for the reinstatement of a footpath connecting Triq Josef Kalleya to the farmhouse and the reinstatement of a country road.
“This development would not have respected the context of the valley in which it is located, which serves as a buffer zone in a densely populated area and serves as a green lung,” said the ERA. “A precedent would also have been created for further development.A
The appeal was upheld on the basis that the proposed development was too extensive for the site and thus not respecting the rural characteristics of the existing building and would lead to a negative impact on the rural zone of Wied Ghomor.
The ERA concluded by saying that the tribunal held that the permit was issued in breach of criteria number three of policy 6.2A of the Rural Policy and Design Guidance.
Photos ERA: Zebbug ridge edge and Wied Ghomor with existing buildings
It is becoming evident that the public general outcry against these sort of planning permits are taking positive effects.
This is how people want it and how people wish it.
We, the citizens, have and must continue in our just fight in order to protect and preserve our National Heritage from greedy speculators whose aim is solely to exploit our habitat for and to their own personal greed.
So in this regard, I say well done for now to the Authority.