MEPA to prepare terms of reference on Cathedral museum EIA

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) has agreed to prepare the terms of reference for an Environment Impact Assessment to be carried out on the proposed extension of the St John's Co-Cathedral museum, the St John's Co-Cathedral Foundation said this evening.

In its letter acceding to the foundation’s request, MEPA stated that: “Without prejudice to any decision which the MEPA Board may take in future with regard to the foundation’s applications, the members felt that, in order to be able to take a properly informed decision on such a sensitive issue, more information was necessary.”

MPEA has therefore instructed its Planning and Environment Directorates to compile the necessary terms of reference.

The foundation said it welcomed the announcement, since it had consistently stated that an independent Environment Impact Assessment was required.

The foundation had proposed extending its museum by either excavating the area occupied by St John Square or roofing the cathedral church yard.