Second application creeps closer to Mgarr temples - NGO says

An environmental NGO is still unsatisfied with an official statement in reply to queries over developments inside and outside the building zone close to Ta' Hagrat temples in Mgarr.

Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar accused the Malta Environment and Planning Authority of misleading the public when giving its explanation.

The environment/development watchdog said the visual and physical impacts on Ta' Hagrat temples were considered.

But FAA contended that the residential apartment block being proposed close to the temples presents an immediate threat of further land loss in the outside development zone.

Mepa's decision to overturn its initial refusal of an application inside the building scheme appears to have improved the likelihood of a second permit application due to be decided shortly, spilling into the zone designated as "outside the building scheme".

"It is the significant ODZ encroachment of this second permit which poses a clear threat to the archaeological sensitive zone outside the building boundary.

"Approximately two thirds of the footprint lies on the wrong side of the ODZ boundary," FAA said.

It asked whether the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, whose resources are so stretched, is expected to adequately monitor all construction sites in each and every case when a permit is granted in a sensitive zone.

Mepa's reply made little reference to an application threatening to further spread urbanisation beyond the boundaries. These development boundaries were supposedly sealed by Parliament's approval of the local plans.

"FAA contends that such applications are a waste of taxpayer funds and NGOs' time, involving them in needless battles to save what remains of our countryside and heritage," the NGO said.

The Ta' Hagrat threat ignores planning guidelines as a striking example of how flimsy planning principles have become.

Unlike the judicial courts, cases at Mepa can be repeated almost indefinitely through reconsiderations and appeals until finally the outcome swings in favour of development, FAA protested.

Bank guarantees are no obstacle to the determined developer who may decide that the loss of a deposit can be worked into the cost of the new units, the NGO said.