DLĦ lauds Mepa’s recent refusal of ODZ sanctioning

Din l-Art Ħelwa has praised the Malta Environment and Planning Authority’s recent refusal to sanction several illegal outside development zone (ODZ) proposals, including extensions to a petrol station outside Qormi and stables near Rabat.

“When permits are granted in ODZ areas the initial permit frequently leads to pressure for extensions to the buildings and an increase in footprint over time,” DLĦ said in a statement yesterday.

This is one of many reasons why building permits must not be granted in ODZ areas if the new direction of ‘zero tolerance’ in ODZ areas is to be followed, the heritage organisation added.

DLĦ welcomed the new measure in the Mepa reform process, which will no longer allow new applications for sanctioning in ODZ areas.