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‘Shame On You’: Cami Appelgren Takes Aim At Dwejra Restaurant Extension’s Effects On Local Wildlife

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Camilla Applegren is no stranger to Maltese politics. She beat her own party leader in the recent MEP elections, was forced to close her Facebook after receiving threats during her campaign and still finds time to attend beach clean-ups. 

Today, she took to Facebook to shed light on a Planning Authority statement in which a permit for an extension to a restaurant in Dwejra was refused. However, the submitting party of the application – Godwin Cassar, owner of Azure Window Restaurant – had appealed the refusal and won over the permit. Cami had teamed up with Birdlife Malta to fight the original application which seemed successful enough to return a refused permit, however Mr Cassar had other ideas. 

https://www.facebook.com/camiappelgren2/posts/1664514077025915?__xts__[0]=68.ARBTt1Ze1_WzCzX6DDAvQrZPPOW6waQcR-PjGYQV9n20trBnr4luV3GzCpbg-4nxtvEr0LBQhzJN7DwojtLjTnzKMGN2BlffftyKZ7OZHbjmWdu9e5CIwO-QB-xhnKcZNuzykO_7h-qUZVJpZWKPTwYtxkLYj30bqRhEe3HGmBu8LbDzf5IBx0SEITIfZWhChFGIuF4SVJ2WLUWwuSVhWMpJpQia512QRcBoPxAnY25g6ronpyoKvnX9naW4WDv291SkmjWtuptDa1Pz_PuKD1U1xPu0r6UQebq2ogYZaw6SjUTFg4dqyCImAtbW8eHnNGhhswyDkBfQ5a2NxV_VdG3MCygz&__tn__=-R

The area subject to the permit, which has now been approved, is home to many seabirds – namely the Shearwaters – who are particularly sensitive to noise and sound pollution… something we all know comes hand-in-hand with construction. 

The Planning Authority had previously rejected the application, stating “the proposed development would have an adverse impact in an important area and would conflict with Thematic Objective 8 of the Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development which aims for the safeguarding and enhancement of biodiversity, cultural heritage, geology and geomorphology”.

But following an appeal against the decision, the Environmental Planning Review Tribunal has ordered the PA to issue the permit.

https://www.facebook.com/birdlifemalta/photos/a.296354897104584/2802036426536406/?type=3&theater

Cami’s fury spread from the cost of Cassar’s appeal – €200 – noting that his restaurant can turn that over in an hour. 

The permit application filed was for an extension of the restaurant’s floor space as well as permission to increase the amount of lighting in the area. Birdlife had made a statement regarding the Shearwater’s sensitivity to light pollution, especially when their flocks are breeding. Light pollution can disorientate fledgelings who may end up lost further inland. 

Cami sent a call to action to her followers, telling them: “We need more people understanding the importance of our environment and then know they’ll have to care for it well.”

https://www.facebook.com/camiappelgren2/photos/a.1343614659115860/1664585740352082/?type=3&theater

What do you make of this? Let us know in the comments below

READ NEXT: Dangers Of Sea Currents Should Be Taught In Maltese Primary Schools, Local Activist-Turned-MEP-Candidate Urges

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