Petrol station relocation decision postponed

A decision to relocate the petrol station in Birkirkara Road, St Julians, has been postponed after the planning authority board members said yesterday they wanted to conduct an onsite visit before making up their mind.

When they discussed the application, the members said that although the proposal would mean moving the petrol station to a better place, they still wanted to see the site themselves.

This was also highlighted by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority’s case officer who said the use of the land as a petrol station was considered acceptable in principle because the proposal entailed relocating the kerb-side petrol station to a better place.

The application was submitted by Emmanuel Falzon on behalf of Joem Service Station, situated on the side of the road in question. The applicant wants to relocate the facility to a parking area opposite, between the road leading to San Ġwann and that going towards Sliema.

The case officer originally recommended refusal of the permit application but, following changes to the original plans submitted in 2001, he yesterday recommended approval.