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Illegal canopy outside scheduled villa removed

The Mepa enforcement team this morning removed a large canopy structure which was illegally assembled last month on one of the seafront terraces at Villa Cassar Torreggiani in St Julian’s.

The villa, which is a Grade 2 scheduled property, is being used as a restaurant.

Mepa said that it was impeded last month from carrying out its direct action operation after the site owner’s lawyer requested a prohibitory injunction from the courts. This week the courts decided in Mepa’s favour and gave the green light for the direct action to be carried out.

In March this year the site was served with an enforcement notice to stop the assembly of signage, glass wind breakers and floor decking without planning permission. This enforcement notice is being appealed, Mepa said.

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C Galea

Nov 7th 2010, 12:08

The way I see it is not the canopy to be the problem. Probably it would have been allowed if it was applied for in normal circumstances. The issue is in principle. One should never do illegal development on a site when there is active enforcement action. This is the message. As seen from this case, there is already an enforcement notice issued last March against which developers have lodged an appeal and which is still pending. I think it would have been illegal for MEPA not to intervene the way it did. More so when the Courts have decided in favor of MEPA.

patrick zammit

Nov 7th 2010, 16:30

So why are enforcement notices not issued against illegal boat house, especially those built on public land?

s.baldacchino

Nov 8th 2010, 06:45

You are talking rubbish Mr Borg, you dont get permssion in 6 weeks in london..who gave you that information??

Joseph N Attard

Nov 6th 2010, 14:20

Mr Galea, with respect, it is exactly your attitude that has been the ruination of Malta. Close your eyes to everything, because it is for Malta's good! There is no hatred involved here. There is the simple fact that everybody should obey and respect the law, fullstop. If a law or regulation is deemed illegal, or harsh, or whatever, fight it by democratic means. But taking the law into one's own hands is simply not on. Naturally, I agree with all those who insist that the law must be applied to all. I also agree that much more serious infringments have been allowed to pass, nay, have been even sanctioned by our politicians in search of votes. The whole of the Armier stolen land, for example.

C Cassar

Nov 6th 2010, 14:42

Often there are factors much more important than making money, things like the environment and existing regulations. Of course both those subjects are usually ignored by the Maltese because they only apply to others.

Malta needs far more aggressive enforcement, confiscation, fines and ultimately jail terms for those that are most persistent. If the Maltese actually started acting in the interest of everyone instead of themselves for a change, things might just start to improve.

MBorg

Nov 6th 2010, 13:45

The villa was not confiscated by MEPA . What gave you that idea? Only the outside canopy was removed. The owners spent money on this property and it is all legal.

J. J. Borg

Nov 6th 2010, 14:36

Jimmy Magro: confiscation of private property was done under Labour governments in the 1970s. Feeling nostalgic for the good old days?

Mark-Anthony Portelli

Nov 6th 2010, 15:33

Its a Gonzi Pn Government not a Mintoff Government

J. Mifsud

Nov 6th 2010, 16:49

Memories of Labour!

Lucia Davies

Nov 7th 2010, 09:28

OMG what thoughts, do they want to go back to the 70s, when we were scared stiff to go and work abroad incase our property was confiscated to be rented to same bazuzli for cheap rent. Owing property does not mean we are rich, some of us have worked hard for it , and by the way do not let my name think I am a foreigner I am full blooded Maltese

Joseph Calleja

Nov 6th 2010, 14:08

Mr Cowie, this time I have to side with you 100%. Like I said many times before, Mepa is very selective about enforcing rules. Still waiting for the change.of fairness being enforced by Mepa.

Peter Borg Olivier

Nov 6th 2010, 16:05

I hope you're not an Englishman interfering with with Malta's Government decisions !

Mario Aquilina

Nov 6th 2010, 22:42

@Peter Borg Oliver:

What is wrong with an Englishman airing his views, when our government spends out, our taxpayers money on foreign consultants, everytime that our government decides to hold a piss up in a brewery.

In my area of Qawra, we need someone to show us how to do or have decent pavements, and he/she does not even have to be another Einstein or into rocket science. Is it possible to find a Maltese, with a brain, a bit bigger than that of an ant, to show us the way forward. It is safer to walk on the road, around here, believe me.

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