5 comments so far.Planning Authority approves pools at Tal-Marga Valley, Qala – Mayor
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Qala Mayor Paul Buttigieg has said that, despite the objections of the Qala Local Council, the Planning Authority on Friday approved an application for construction of three swimming pools, part of which falls within ODZ areas at Tal-Marga Valley, Qala.
The approved application is for three residences, each with a swimming pool
In a statement on social media with a video, the Qala Mayor stated that, “this development has been a piecemeal process as noted by ERA, one that cumulatively leads to a loss of agricultural areas and destroys the characteristics of Gozo landscape forever.”
He argued that “in this latest development pools and formalisation of untouched ODZ fields will lead to soil sealing which is prohibited by planning policy and by law. Expert reports by hydrologists and a video of flooding in the area were dismissed. The soil sealing will only serve to make flooding in the area worse.”
Buttigieg went on to say, “I have been working hard since 2007 so that this permit would not be granted. I even had organised a petition which was signed by the farmers nearby. I attended every PA meeting representing the council by voicing the villagers’ concerns.”
The Qala Mayor concluded by saying that “even though I am disappointed, I can honestly say that I did my very best to safeguard this zone especially in regards to saving the water which seeps into the water table which is vital for the farmers during the summer season.”
These permits are destroying Gozo. What shall we do when we kill the goose that lays the golden egg. Kudos to Qala mayor Paul Buttigieg.
There ‘s a word for what’s happening, all around us in Gozo.
It begins with a C and ends with Ruption.
And – for bad spellers – it ain’t just Construction.
Planning Authority – means Mr. Portelli ???
Its sad how one tourist after returning from his Malta vacation said that his review was that Malta looked like an over built prison.
The PA is a sham and they have never worked for the people who put them in office they work hand in hand with developers to say the least . They all shell face interrogations and held accountable .