Mark Micallef
Mayor says new Lija scheduling sets important precedent
The Lija Belvedere will not be overshadowed by the development of a block of eight flats and penthouse on four floors. Photo: Jason Borg.
Mepa's decision to schedule Lija's main avenue, rectifying an anomaly in the local plans, has set an important precedent for all of Malta, the town's mayor, Ian Castaldi Paris, said yesterday, encouraging other local councils not to be discouraged when taking on similar planning battles.
"We were being told that we were fighting a big monster," he said as he described the legal battle launched by the local council against the anomaly in the local plan, which allowed the main avenue leading to the town centre to be developed up to three floors plus penthouse, "but now we've got the results."
Flanked by the other councillors, all clearly pleased with the outcome, Dr Castaldi Paris said he was very happy with the outcome.
In line with the council's call, the entire length of the town's main avenue, as well as the historic Villa Gourgion, was listed last week in a move that effectively signals the end of the contentious permit for an apartment block close to the landmark Belvedere.
The development, a block of eight flats and penthouse on four floors, complete with underlying garages, closer than 20 metres from the Belvedere, was approved last September to the dismay of residents and the local council.
Mepa has now changed its mind. The new decision will effectively nullify the development permits for this and another development down the road - which is already well under way.
The architect for the development closest to the Belvedere, Robert Musumeci, has already warned that his clients will be seeking compensation for the revenue lost, now that they will not be able to build the apartment block they had been given a permit for.
The local plan for the area, approved last year, curiously excluded from the village core the road leading from the Belvedere to the church and specifically highlighted this zone for three storeys and penthouse.
Dr Castaldi Paris said the council always believed in its arguments because it had not been properly consulted when the local plans were approved. In fact, the previous mayor, Magda Magri Naudi, said there had been only one meeting concerning the local plans, and none of the suggestions made by the council were actually taken up.
"Quite the opposite, really. They did exactly the opposite of what we suggested," another councillor, Catherine Abela, said.
Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar coordinator Astrid Vella, who has lent a hand to the council over the past year or so, said many local councils complained of similar situations. In fact, she hopes that the decision taken in connection with the Lija avenue would be repeated in other cases, some of which relating to irregularities.
Popular Stories
Update 3: Woman found dead in car,...
Updated: Woman dies in car crash
Part of Dwejra 'Azure window' collapses
Updated: Shot migrant in critical...
The end of the bar that ‘never closed’
Bundy does not know whether to...
This WAS the night - Kurt makes it...
Yana Mintoff: Family speaking to...
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
In Discussion
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
Gozo tunnel could take 5-7 years to...
CABS remote controlled aircraft shot...
Yana Mintoff: Family speaking to...
Joseph Calleja condemns portrayal of...
CABS drone shot down
Updated: Labour would give...
Adrian Vassallo in scathing...
Second group of migrants arrives
4 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
Karen M. Zammit Manduca
Jul 24th 2008, 14:05
On the other hand, I hope this won't turn out to be another joke as in the case of the six Grade II scheduled houses situated between Milner and Howard Streets in Sliema!
J Farrugia
Jul 24th 2008, 12:31
I knew that the Lija local council ably led by Major Castaldi Paris will do its utmost to save Lija from the horrendous monster that was going to be developed near a national landmark. It's a shame that the developers or their representatives went on record stating that they will institute a case for damages. What damages? Those which they were going to inflict on the village of Lija? It should be the contrary. The council should claim damages from the developers for any expenses incurred in fighting this just cause. And the Council should maintain a strict surveillance on the works being carried out on the site in question for any damages which may be caused to public and private property.
c.busuttil
Jul 24th 2008, 10:43
Another case of gross irresponsability!!!! The permit should not have been awarded in the first place obviously...who in his mind could possibly have approved such monstrosity ....but this new trend of reversing decisions is the biggest flop from MEPA since it has been founded. Of course the owners have to be recompensated...from MEPA for gross negligence. At what point do we now have a building permit since they can all be reversed. At what point can we build our home or buy an apartment...before a FINAL DECISION IS REVERSED!!
It is the equivilant of going to court, having a seven year court case, and the jury finds you innocent. The judge calls you after a year and tells you sorry but we have reviewed your case and the new jury finds you now guilty!! Please come into prison tomorrow.
Shame Gonzi if this is the reform you promised...you are on the road to perdition
MEPA: Take the right decisions in the first place and if the next person feels the wrong one has been taken then **** it. No one is realising what damage reversals can do
joseph v. grech
Jul 24th 2008, 10:42
Well done to the Mayor and Councillors of Local Council Lija for achieving this important result! The obstacles must have been daunting. Also well done to MEPA. The change of heart augurs well for the future if we really want to protect Malta's beauty and oppose unjustified building development here, there and everywhere. There are many cobwebs in the Mepa back room - it is hoped that the authority, under the new Chairman, will really work to disentangle these for the good of Maltese society. NOW - before it is too late and the face of our islands is irrevocably and negatively altered! I encourage other Local Councils, especially those of St. Paul's Bay, Sliema, Gzira...to emulate the excellent work put up by their Lija colleagues. Presently the Bugibba and Qawra areas are one big building site...and smack in the middle of the prive tourist season unfortunately. Developers' architects should remember they have duties also to the wider social fabric. One cannot just mouth one's Sustainability Credentials and then work in the Opposite Direction! They should resist putting in Applications for Development which are so damaging. Well done again Local Council Lija and MEPA!
Joseph V. Grech