Moviment Graffitti has said that an application for two “illegal” swimming pools by Joseph Portelli in ODZ Qala, next to his “monstrous project in this village,” were approved by the Planning Authority this morning.

The site is at, Hal Wardija, Triq ta’ Kassja, Triq il-Wardija, New street off Triq Ta’ Kassja and Triq il-Wardija.

The application is “to sanction over excavation of site and proposed construction of 2 pools as well as soft landscaping,” it was submitted by architect was Alexander Bigeni.

The application was approved 3-0. The justification given by the Board for approval was that “the latest drawings are considered to address the reasons for refusal.”

Objectors on behalf of Moviment Graffitti and Din l-Art Hewla were present for the meeting, also present was Qala Mayor Paul Buttigieg.

The Qala Local Council last year presented a formal objection to the application by Gozitan developer Joseph Portelli, for the sanctioning of the excavation works that were being carried out while under appeal and which is in an ODZ.

Moviment Graffitti pointed out that just a few weeks ago, the same Planning Commission led by Martin Camilleri approved another Portelli swimming pool in ODZ, in the Xaghra valley.

The activist organisation said that “as he did in Sannat, Portelli divided his project in Qala piece by piece in order to avoid a holistic assessment of the application. The swimming pools that were approved today were the fifth application linked to the same project of hundreds of apartments.”

They argued that “Portelli started the excavation on these swimming pools in the ODZ before he had even applied for the permit, while the Planning Authority let him continue with the illegal works.’

Moviment Graffitti warned that “Gozitan developer Joseph Portelli is wreaking havoc in Malta and Gozo with the full blessing of the authorities.”

Photo by Moviment Graffitti

Permalink: Qala ODZ “illegal” swimming pools approved by Planning Authority