Update 5: NGOs welcome Mepa decisions on Dwejra

Environment NGOs this afternoon said they were 'very pleased' with the Mepa board decisions to reject most of the applications made for the sanctioning of illegally built or extended boathouses in Dwejra, Gozo.

Vince Attard, speaking on behalf of Nature Trust Malta, Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Ramblers Association, BirdLife Malta, Gaia Foundation and Friends of the Earth, said the Mepa chairman's comment that the Authority was not prepared to sanction illegalities was also very welcome.

"We feel that this is a positive step forward in line with the Mepa reform process" Mr Attard said.

Din l-Art Helwa also welcomed the Mepa decisions.

'This is a step in the right direction,'and in line with the ongoing Mepa reform which recognizes the urgent need to put an end to the sanctioning of illegal developments.'

Din l-Art Helwa hoped that these decisions would be followed up swiftly with enforcement action, and that the remaining four applications would also be refused.

The Planning Authority Board in its sitting this morning refused 13 applications for the sanctioning of the boathouses built or extended illegally around the scenic 'inland sea' . The board put off a decision on another four.

The board then made reference to photos taken in 1957 as well as 1968 survey maps, to determine how the area looked before the boathouses were built.

The decision on four applications was put off to give applicants time to make alterations, since those structures might fit in with the Dwejra action plan.

Environment NGOs yesterday issued statements insisting that none of the applications should be approved, arguing that this was a test for Mepa.

Earlier in today's meeting, the Mepa board approved a government application for the removal of five non-historic structures in Fort St Elmo.

The case officer had recommended approval against a bank guarantee of €12,000. The government asked for the guarantee to be replaced by a letter of understanding, and that was approved.