Seabank Hotel extension approved

Peter Brincat

Feb 7th 2010, 20:54

Once again we are adopting a solution without an understanding of the problem. Is the challenge of such an ODZ application solely that of creating more amenity for the particular client, or to do so in an environmentally acceptable manner? Are we so taken by the adequacy of the current massing solution stealing a sea-view that not only do we deem imitation as the way forward but advocate it as a solution to a problem it obviously does not adequately address in its current state? Can someone please explain to me how we can ignore the lessons presented by that only 100m or so down the road and somehow be happy with extending an imported matchbox-mediocrity typology? I far prefer seeing more ODZ land being used up in a responsible, regionally responsive way than seeing this localized cancerous-like growth. And yet it goes on, not only unhindered… but UNANIMOUSLY approved. MEPA reform? …the sad part is that such outright mediocrity performs well within current and future planning system. We are now trying to approach planning through a pseudo-legal mindframe: sadly, we are happily creating an even more stable state for the repetitus of the INADEQUATE status quo to flourish.

Peter Brincat

Feb 7th 2010, 20:52

Days after our ministers harp on about “no tolerance” policies we witness another ODZ approval for something other than an exemplary way forward. No tolerance to what exactly? …to actively promoting ecologically responsible, quality interventions within our built environment? …to demanding of developers a route other than the status quo reproduction of existing environmental failures? True, jobs will be created and money pumped into the local economy - but how does all this fit within the holistic vision presented by this beautiful bay and the delicate natural environment it harbors? Can someone please publish the wonderful economic ADEQUATE COMPENSATION algorithm by which the pitiful sum of €150,000 (0.5% of total investment) was calculated? Do we seriously think that by adopting this childish accountant’s approach to our environment we are indeed evolving along a positive path? Or are we just adopting a repetitus of that which works for some and laughs in the face of others? If there are three individuals and one of them eats three meals, we logically claim that statistically one meal per head was consumed. This is exactly the type of flawed argumentation surrounding this derisory approach to planning, architecture and the safeguard of our environment.

oliver mallia

Feb 5th 2010, 21:18

@ Astrid Vella
My be you don’t know, I always give you a good support. Having extension of a hotel in ODZ must be an exception/ or it is an exception. I will support most kind of project in the North because the government doesn’t invest anything here! That is the reason that 15 hotels closed down. Built on the footprint of the old is a good idea, but in the case of SeaBank Hotel? @ George Debono while the chairman losses his promise, he must give notice!

Anne Marie Magri

Feb 5th 2010, 09:37

What were the key sustainable principles and criteria for MEPA to grant permission on an ODZ? Environmentally - has the developer at least been asked to invest in technologies or building design that reduces his carbon footprint or integrate ecological and biodiverse strategies into the design to compensate for the loss of land - What has the developer been enforced to do with respect to Birdlife's concerns and Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar? Economically does this extension make a significant impact to Malta's GDP? Socially Is the developer giving back something to the public - e.g. renewable energy for the surrounding? Is Adrian Mallia a qualified ecologist to assess the ecological value of the land? In terms of policy I can not understand that an 'inbetween' policy exists - you are either in or out of a development zone. If you wish to take forward development in an ODZ then there should firstly be a thorough public consultation and secondly EXTREME standards for extra-ordinary and exemplary sustainable design should be set as well as EXTREME building enforcement. Also, why hasn't the TIMES investigated and reported in depth on the reasons behind MEPA's decision? Can someone answer my questions?

George Debono

Feb 5th 2010, 00:28

@ oliver mallia

RE "………………….. MEPA Chairman Mr Austin Walker had told in public, that no more permits for hotels to be demolished are going to be issued by Mepa. "

Ha- Ha - Ha

How many such pious words & promises have we heard -- only for them to be broken?

It's only money that counts - forget Malta

G

Astrid Vella

Feb 4th 2010, 22:11

@ Oliver Mallia - if so many hotels in the North are closing down, why are hoteliers not being made to follow MEPA'S OWN REGULATION that new hotel developments have to be built on the footprint of the old, instead of allowing them to gobble up agricultural land each time.

As I said before, this permit breaks every rule in the book. What is the use of having MEPA, having a Structure Plan and Local Plans ratified in Parliament? Let's do away with all the expense, hassle and pretence, and just have a clerk sitting at a desk taking a look at plans as they come in, reducing them slightly 'ghal parenza' and then rubberstamping them. After all this is no different to what is happening at the moment.

oliver mallia

Feb 4th 2010, 20:49

I agree on such permit for an extension of a Hotel, at least a compensation for all the hotels that had closed down in the North area (about 15 hotels). Well done to the minds behind the project. I disagree for the 100,000 euros bank guarantee issued by same Mepa. Bank Guarantees this type put more pressure on such good projects and involves a lot of daily payment. Mepa have other alternatives if the permit conditions are not in line, the easy one is an enforcement.
@ George Debono As far as I know, MEPA Chairman Mr Austin Walker had told in public, that no more permits for hotels to be demolished are going to be issued by Mepa. I am against 80% of workers in Mepa, but I have good fait in the Chairman.

Oliver Mallia SPB

Astrid Vella

Feb 4th 2010, 20:44

Today's Seabank decision violates every regulation in the Structure Plan &the North West Local Plan.Strangely enough, the Directorate officials spent an hour talking about the project without making any reference to this fact.

A roomful of supporters,employees and shopowners bussed in to support Mr.Debono all insisted that the project is crucial to their survival,ignoring the fact that this easy-option project will mainly attract high season business,which they already enjoy.A more judicious project such as the the low-profile complex suited to the area's agro-tourism profile as suggested by the Tourism Authority,would have provided more business in winter when Mellieha is like a ghost town.

But of course that would have been a more high-maintenance and more labour intensive project and MEPA simply doesn't have the guts,or the political will,to impose such a thing on a precious developer.

This is the typical short-termism that Jeremy Boissevain raised three years ago.We prefer to create a few tourism jobs within a couple of years (ie. before the next elections)while losing other tourists who are put off this busier commercial Mellieha.

This decision opens the way for the final uglification of Mellieha.So much for sustainability, what a bunch of hot air.

S Zammit

Feb 4th 2010, 20:17

@MEPA

Will you never learn? Why can't we protect our little that we have left. Oh dear , On this crazy island money seems to come before the environment and slowly slowly we are losing all of it. So now you want to destroy Ghadira Bay too. MEPA keep on digging a deeper grave. Honestly, you really don't know what the words ''Sustainable'' and ''Protecting our Environment'' areally mean. SHAME

GOOD BYE Hofra il-Zghira. A small saline Marshland now that will be gone forever. So much for it being an important ecological area as you just gave it its death penelty.

@Franco Farrugia
Very well said

Denis Cachia

Feb 4th 2010, 19:25

Another Bugibba resort for the once lovely Ghadira Bay.

Little by little our countryside is being eaten away and buildings and more buildings take its place.

This also the death sentence for the ecological saline marshland of Il-Hofra z-Zghira. What is the use of scheduling sites of ecological importance when not even these are spared the bulldozer.

Did I hear that the environment is one of the Government's prioritieis. No, I was dreaming.

Joe Grech

Feb 4th 2010, 18:58

And Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi would have us believe he has the environment at heart! What a SHAME!
MEPA Chairman Mr Austin Walker said: ‘although the extension for this development impinges on land which is outside the development boundaries, the board is satisfied with the recommendations given by both the environment and planning directorate, that key principles of sustainable development are being met....'
How scandalous that Malta's environment is in the hands of persons who make such ludicrous and irresponsible statements!

P. Schembri

Feb 4th 2010, 18:42

As the Maltese adage goes "Kollox mahdum bizzilla". Now with the silly excuse of the extension, the road will now be built across the natural reserve, so that it won't hinder "progress". Another Maltese adage goes like this "Il-progress rigress". And that's what's happening in Malta.

Sil. Cutajar

Feb 4th 2010, 17:22

MEPA has become a huge sick and disgusting monster. No brakes are being applied to this nonsense. Land speculation is rife and all those who want to make a quick buck out from the common good are really succeeding with MEPA.
Money only talks.
MEPA is a complete disaster to this country.
Where is the protection of the environment here?
Was this area an ODZ or not?

David Dalli

Feb 4th 2010, 16:54

Ftit qabel l ahhar elezzjioni kien sar ezercizzju mil mepa ordnat min George Pullicino jidhirli. U sejhulu Rationalization of the developement boundaries. Dan biex jigi mrazzan l-zvilupp u jigi protett l ambjent li ghad baqa. Qalulna. Qed narawh ir rationalization.

Paul Farrugia

Feb 4th 2010, 16:19

This sounds like the death knell for Ghadira Bay.

Interesting to note that the consultant is now saying no significant agricultural land than next to Dr Gatt a few months ago he said that the area has ecological value.

Two weights and two measures by same consultant depending who is pulling the string and footing the bill!

I Cassar

Feb 4th 2010, 16:17

'The site is in an Outside Development Zone although the Northwest Local Plan makes allowances for restrained development’. I would hardly call development over an area of 18,069 square metres 'restrained'. Astrid Vella has long been warning that the Local Plans are pathetic.
I am not familiar with the particular application so can not comment specifically. However non developed land in Malta is fast disappearing so in principle I would not have allowed the development. Besides allowing building of such magnitude next door to what is supposed to be a nature reserve does not seem very coherent. That Austin Walker is satisfied with the proposal adds nothing to it. When considering his record at MEPA I would rather trust Malta's planning issues to a five year old.

George Debono

Feb 4th 2010, 16:05

This is the way to get permission in ODZ for apartments.

In 3 - 5 years time the owners of this "hotel" will be whining that the hotel is running at a loss - so the obvious thing will be to get a permit to pull all down and build something bigger and get loadsamoney -

And so it goes on............. RIP Mellieha bay - the rot has now started on your doorstep.

G

Vincenzo Galea

Feb 4th 2010, 15:44

and Austin Gatt would have us believe that the road in Mellieha bay is being re-routed for other reasons. Sell it to the marines Austin. We know exactly what's going to happen, and that's Seabank will be a hotel with its own shore. Period. Don't take us for fools please.

Anthony Pace Gouder

Feb 4th 2010, 15:28

Din mhux 'by the side of Mellieha by-pass ' irid jghid Mario De Bono izda fuq il- European TEN-T Road System . Jidher li il - PYE REPORT , li- minn jaf kemm sewa , maghmul minn esperti barranin ghall-ADT u l-Ministeru fuq it-trieq tal-GHADIRA , tefaghawh il- Bahar !!.

Ma jarawx li jekk jitla l-bini fuq wara tal -lukanda esistenti , dan jeqred il-possibbilita li t-trieq "VIADUCT" dritta xi darba tkun tista taghaddi minn wara l-Lukanda . Din kont Issuggerejta kemm jien u kemm il- PYE REPORT Ottubru '09 .
B'dana parti mit -Trieq esistenti quddiem il- Lukanda kienet titnehha , biex b'hekk il- Lukanda kienet tigi tmiss max-xtajta ramlija u jkolla access dirett fuq il- bahar . Kif dejjem xtaqu l-Proprejtari ! Ahsbuha Sew .!

d.attard

Feb 4th 2010, 15:24

The many hotels that closed down mostly because their street location provide no unique selling point to a person visiting a med island must be replaced by rooms having the required unique selling point. I believe that this development is to the benefit of our tourism product as it helps it compete with other destinations.

Franco Farrugia

Feb 4th 2010, 15:05

We are continuing to gnaw and eat away from the natural environment around us. What is the use of having ODZ if they are then destroyed by those whose remit it is, or should be, to uphold them and defend them? This is yet another disgusting decision from MEPA and it will continue to have dire consequences on our country. We will never stop developing until there is nothing further left to develop.
@ Colin Borg: We need investment, indeed, but not to the detriment to the tiny bit of natural environment that we have left. Otherwise, this will be bad investment. You remind me of the tale of the golden eggs! We see only what we stand to gain in the now and in the present, without bearing in mind what is after all the general good of this once-beautiful island. We are becoming our own worst enemies and soon, Malta will no longer be a fit place to live in.

J. Borg

Feb 4th 2010, 14:41

I live in Mellieha...
The bay is still unique albeit it is being nibbled inland by such supposedly development and subjevted to polluted waters from fish farms and faulty drainage systems.
Seabank has mushroomed beyond any limit - just a glimps at the "car-park" behind the hotel is enough to reach one's conclusions.
Austin Gatt wanted us to believe that he was concerned about the bay's erosion - maybe he and Adrian Mallia can illuminate us how this additional extension will assit the sand replenishment at the bay...
And mentioning Mr.Mallia's EIA (financed aka orchestrated by the "developer") - this is simply another MEPA charade - when such consultants accept personal liability for their reports then they can become credible and taken into consideration.
It would be interesting also to establish how Mr. Mallia determined that the agricultural land being gobbled up is not of much value....
Mellieha Bay's attraction is in fact the bay blended with the fields behind it - something which the Danish Village still managed to blend - contrary to what Seabank has done.
prosit MEPA and Gonzi....keep on strangling our long-term interests simply to patch up your deficiencies and securing some tips in party coffers!

Colin Borg

Feb 4th 2010, 14:38

@Mario Delia
You are exaggerating here. It is people like you that slow down the economy. We need investments to revive this rock.

A. Slater

Feb 4th 2010, 14:34

The timing of this approval seems very close to the proposed re-location of the beach road.

I bet the proposed beach road will now get full permission because the 'old' road will be in the way of the new extension.

r ferriggi

Feb 4th 2010, 14:31

any well-planned developement is welcome. this isgood news for all.

Seabank people,,,, plese make sure that yo hotel impacts the minimum on the serroundings.

and to the authorities,,,,, please revamp, redesign mellieha bay road and the landscape.

it desperately calls for this. it is a shambles.

Mario De Bono

Feb 4th 2010, 14:09

Mellieha needs Jobs and courageous businessmen to invest. And tourism. And this extension is not a huge one. Yu can hardly call building by the side of the bypass ODZ now can you?

victor baldacchino

Feb 4th 2010, 13:53

jiena ma nistax nifhem kif qedin nghixu fiz -zmien l-ghaks u dejjem nisimghu xi investiment kbir. U imbaghad il- poplu herqan biex iregga l-arlogg fuq ghoxrin sena lura ??????????????

Martin Galea De Giovanni

Feb 4th 2010, 13:49

Wow Mr. Mallia, that last concluding comment was extremely objective !

Mario Delia

Feb 4th 2010, 13:45

In a few months time, it will be the turn for Mellieha Bay Hotel to get its extension approved and Ghadira will soon like Sliema!

James Grech

Feb 4th 2010, 13:24

And yet another ODZ permit gets approval from Mepa. Komplu hawdu ta...kemm tifilhu...