Stay of execution for Sliema tree
An araucaria tree that was set to be replaced by a block of flats was spared by Mepa yesterday after the permit application for the project was rejected.
The decision was taken in spite of a recommendation by Mepa's directorate to grant the permit.
The tree, which stands tall in the back garden of a property in Manwel Dimech Street, Sliema, had attracted the attention of environmental NGO Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) which criticised the directorate's favourable recommendation.
The commission reviewing the application considered the proposed development as being too intrusive on the back garden.
FAA said yesterday that, although the Ministry of Resources and Rural Affairs had already granted a permit for the felling of this tree, the application rejection would give the developer the opportunity to accommodate the tree in his new plans as has been done very successfully in other projects. The araucaria is the hardiest species of the family, known for its long life and tolerance to harsh conditions such as lack of rain and sea salt, though it suffers in areas of air pollution.
The FAA said it feels the Department of Agriculture and Mepa's Natural Heritage Advisory Committee should lose no time in proving their commitment to protect the natural environment by scheduling this tree.
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Tania Farrugia
Oct 31st 2008, 08:55
Re the DCC's decision, the application was NOT refused because they had any qualms about uprooting the tree. The reason for refusal was because a next-door neighbour argued that the proposed development would (obviously) be deeper than the existing premises (all of maybe 3 metres my gosh...) So, all of a sudden, after 12 months of back and forth and recommendations made by MEPA (which we faithfully took note of and acted accordingly), the permit has again been refused....by 4 people out of 5 on the DCC board, after a full report made by another MEPA department FULLY approved the development and recommended to grant....
as for Mr J Borg's comments about no proposed back garden (in a previous comment)...dear sir, you must be looking at the wrong plans....please contact me on my email address given in my first comment and come see the plans...then make further comments if you wish....
Ms Hansen I myself would be very sorry to see the tree go too...however I am also very sorry that my family cannot go quietly about their business and feel secure in their old age.... but of course that is not important here, is it????