‘Planning Commission Is Ignoring ERA’: Qala Local Council Appeals Portelli’s ODZ Development
The Qala Local Council, together with Moviment Graffitti, has filed an appeal to overturn plans for a massive pool encroaching into undeveloped ODZ land in Qala.
The development proposal outlines plans to sanction excavation of the site and the proposed construction of two pools as well as soft landscaping.
The application was filed by Mark Agius on behalf of Excel Investments Ltd. linked to Joseph Portelli, and perit Alexander Bigeni.
“The Planning Commission chaired by Martin Camilleri approved this take-up of ODZ land by Joseph Portelli’s company despite the fact that ERA had objected,” the Qala Local Council said in a statement.
“In fact, ERA had objected to the three ODZ applications leading up to this application and the Planning Commission ignored it every time.”
“The Planning Commission is ignoring the law, ignoring ERA and ignoring the environment. The Qala Local Council will persist in challenging these terrible decisions on behalf of the community and all who genuinely care for the environment,” it promised.
This is another one of those applications where the applicants applied in a “piecemeal” fashion, incrementally encroaching into ODZ land.
Although several representations were made objecting to this “cumulative and unlawful” uptake of ODZ, these concerns were always dismissed by the Case Officer and the Planning Commission.
The development is also in breach of the Strategic Plan for Environment and Development, as well as the Rural Policy and Design Guidance. It is also in breach of a number of Maltese laws, such as Article 72(2) of Chapter 552 of the Laws of Malta.
What do you make of this development?
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