The Planning Authority recently rejected an attempt to sanction a house which was illegally built on ODZ land situated in the outskirts of Dingli.

The applicant, Kenneth D’Amato, had the permit rejected twice – and even though the Environment and Planning Tribunal ordered the PA to evaluate the application again, permit 3349/20 was still rejected once more.

The illegally-built house is located along Sqaq tal-Marġ in Dingli, an area known for its striking Maltese rural landscape. 

The Environment and Resources Authority was one of the first authorities to oppose the development, which even involved the illegal removal of trees.

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage also spoke out against it, calling for the refusal of the permit and to assure that sanctioning is not granted.

Meanwhile, the case officer had pointed out that the development breached a number of planning policies, especially the Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development. 

However, it seems that the Planning Authority had not quite realised that these illegalities were being carried out, as an enforcement notice was never issued for the area.

What do you make of this refusal?