The Planning Authority has justified the approval of a swimming pool in Xagħra’s ODZ land by pointing out the reduction of the scale of the pool.

Even though the pool’s size was reduced to a smaller version than the one previously applied for by Portelli, the approved design is still in fact, within the outside development zone.

“The latest proposal includes a reduction in the scale of the pool and the decking area from that originally proposed,” a representative for the PA told Lovin Malta. 

“The proposal is also being shifted closer to the building and also to occupy part of the backyard already approved in the previous permit,” he said.

“The layout as amended is considered to respect the terracing effect of the ridge and it will be integrated and screened within the proposed landscaped area subject to a condition and a bank guarantee to ensure the implementation of indigenous planting and maintenance,” he claimed.

“For these reasons, the development is considered to be within the spirit of policy GZ-EDGE-2 of the Gozo and Comino Local Plan. Reference was also made to block plan 213C indicating commitments of similar developments along same stretch of street where same policies apply and which are considered a material planning consideration on basis of Article 72D of the Development Planning Act 2016.”

“The Planning Commission noted also that the site in caption is not a scheduled area. Perit is to submit amended drawing to indicate the green shading on either side of the pool in soil and to include the planting of three indigenous trees on either side.”

The Planning Authority was heavily criticised over the last week for approving plans for a new swimming pool in ODZ land in Xagħra for a well-known developer.

Construction magnate Joseph Portelli is behind yet another controversial application, this time for a sizeable swimming pool on ODZ land in Xagħra.

Among the people criticising the authority, Chairman of Valletta Cultural Agency Jason Micallef questioned whether the PA’s board is ashamed of such a decision.

“Is this why the Planning Authority was set up? How do you not feel ashamed? Or do you just not know how to?” Micallef said, directly addressing the PA.

Newly elected PN MP and Gozo spokesperson Alex Borg also directly accused the PA of treating the Gozitan island like a dump, while also saying that it is lacking a backbone.

What do you make of the PA’s justification?