'Limited development' at Ta' Cenc

Victor Borg, the developer of the Ta' Cenc project, has again tried to discredit Din l-Art Helwa and myself personally, accusing me of half truths and trying to mislead the public about this application for development. I can assure him that this is far from correct. The facts themselves are simple and can be checked by anyone.

The Structure Plan, which was passed by Parliament and which is the applicable planning law which we must all abide by, states that in the case of Ta' Cenc, any development must be in the vicinity of the hotel. The villas, of which the applicant is proposing 38 near Mgarr ix-Xini, are at the furthest point from the hotel in the earmarked area. Yet he is arguing that according to UK planning precedents one can do this. This is clearly nonsense, as if this definition were to be adopted, then the whole promontory is subject to development as all the area would be in the vicinity of the hotel.

The second point is that the Gozo Local Plan, which must be read in conjunction with the Structure Plan and cannot contradict it, states that one of the objectives is "to limit development in the lower part of the plateau". Again the interpretation given by the developer is that limited development is to be allowed. In order to avoid any confusion or interpretation such as this, the Minister for Environment and Rural Affairs, who approved the Gozo Local Plan, actually wrote to the Mepa board stating, and I quote, "Policy 14.11.3 Ta' Cenc should not be interpreted to allow in any way development in this ODZ area overlooking the bay. The phrase 'limit development in the lower part of the plateau' (near Mgarr ix-Xini) is to be interpreted that development is to be limited to what is already existing in the area".

Mr Borg purchased the property after the Structure Plan became law, and he knew or should have known what the parameters for development were. They have not changed and therefore he should not try to develop what is patently an Outside Development Zone area. Din l-Art Helwa has no brief to stop sustainable development which helps in the economic growth of this country. It has a duty, however, to safeguard the historical and natural environment wherever in its opinion it sees it is threatened. Furthermore the building of bungalows or apartments at Ta' Cenc do not, in the opinion of this organisation, enhance Gozo's tourism potential, on the contrary, they detract from it.

This is what we are trying to do at Ta' Cenc. To imply any other motive is strongly rejected.