Tensioned structure raises winemaker's ire

Meridiana is objecting to the proposed erection of a tensioned structure adjacent to its vineyard in Ta' Qali, saying it would have an adverse effect on the Lm1.3 million investment.

Meridiana is particularly incensed that it did not have a chance to object to the erection of the tensioned structure - a high-tech version of a tent - as it will be put up under a Development Notification Order, which does not require public consultation.

The structure is currently being shipped to Malta by Arena One, a company formed by Sign-It, which plans to use it for large conferences and events until a convention centre has been built - probably in around three years' time.

"Large structures inevitably alter the ecosystem of the surrounding area beyond recognition and repair," Meridiana managing director Mark Miceli-Farrugia said.

He said that the structure, at its highest point the equivalent of three double-decker buses, would be just metres away from the western side of the vineyard, reducing considerably the sunshine and heat available to a quarter of the vines. Light pollution over prolonged periods in the evening would also be detrimental, he said.

The structure might also impede the rainwater run-off system, resulting in flooding, and could alter wind patterns.

Mr Miceli-Farrugia was also concerned that the crowds attending large events could damage his property, as has happened with similar events in the past.

He has written to a number of officials to complain about the structure, including the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

Mepa explained when contacted that temporary structures - erected for a period not exceeding six months in any calendar year - do not need a full development application but only a Development Notification Order.

Arena One/Sign-It have a permit under the DNO regime which is valid up to June. However, should they wish to have the structure there beyond that date, a full development application must be made, which will be decided through the normal procedure by Development Control Commission boards made up of several people.

Mepa said that although DNOs do not require consultation as both the structure and the permit are temporary in nature, it is carried out on full development applications.

"Objections may be sent to the authority within 15 days of the publication of the application. Objectors' rights are also safeguarded by law. All submissions are taken into account when evaluating a full development application," Mepa spokesman Sylvana Debono said.

"Unfortunately," Mr Miceli-Farrugia said, "by then, the damage will have been done, and it will be irrevocable.

"I am holding all the entities involved responsible at law for any damages," he added.

When contacted, Sign-It director Ruben Caruana said he was aware of Mr Miceli-Farrugia's complaint and he was looking into the technical details.

In the meantime, the Trade Fairs Corporation has been served with a Mepa enforcement order on three of its tents.

A spokesman for the corporation said the tents in question had been there for years, with the permit renewed again and again.

When asked about the six-month limit referred to above, the spokesman said the corporation was trying to make contact with Mepa to evaluate the situation.