Ramla developers given time to file proper application
An Appeals Board today gave developers up to July to file a duly-filled planning control application in connection with their proposal to build 23 villas with pools overlooking Ramla Bay in Gozo.
The board was hearing the appeal filed by the developers, who are protesting over the rescinding of a permit issued to them.
The permit had been withdrawn by Mepa after it found that incorrect information had been given by the developers since part of the footprint of the proposed project would be on land which is public, not private.
The developers said that while they were not contesting that part of the land belonged to the government, they had submitted a planning control application to change the designation of this piece of land.
The Mepa lawyer replied that no such application had been submitted.
The developers said the land was only registered by the government when their case came up.
Representatives of two environment NGOs, Save Ramla and Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) contested the claim, saying the land was registered well before that.
The Appeals Board said it was giving the developers more time to meet Mepa requirements.
It said the developers had up to July to get the signatures of the owners of this land and submit a planning control application. Failure to do this would nullify the appeal.
The NGOs' representatives complained about the fact that the hearing was continuing despite the fact that the developers had, when the appeal started, only paid a fraction of the fees.
The NGOs on Tuesday also launched a fund-raising campaign to fund their appeal.
See http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110411/local/ramla.359370
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Mr M Vella***
Apr 15th 2011, 09:28
How can somebody even think of building in Ramla,where are the Gozo politicians and Gozo curia,it is your duty to voice your opinion too.You contractors if there is a hell you lot will burn for ever and ever for the damage you have caused to the country side of Malta and Gozo.#$%##$
V Cassar
Apr 14th 2011, 22:28
Shameful and arrogant....
I guess the only things that amuse Dr.Gonzi and Dr.Pullicino are fountains....
Ms Lesley Kreupl
Apr 14th 2011, 19:17
The time has come for the expensive cars in MEPA to prove their worth and do something concrete to save what is left of this island.
We have enough built-up areas and empty accommodation!
Ms Emma Xerri
Apr 14th 2011, 18:21
This is another case of the 'fencing of the commons' like happened in medieval England when peasants were thrown off their lands, which became the private domain of the King and the Aristocracy, in effect shutting out the common people off the land.
It is a real shame if this beautiful pristine beach is turned into a haven for those with money who can afford to approriate this beautiful spot for their own pleasure and use. Enough public land and beaches have already been given to the private sector in this tiny island of ours - so please hands off Ramla!
Shame on MEPA to even consider this proposal. Shame!
Ms Stephanie Mamo
Apr 14th 2011, 18:56
I totally agree with you ...they should be ashamed of even considering the idea !!!!!!
Mr Joseph Brincat
Apr 14th 2011, 17:37
Well something tells me that after some huffing & puffing this permit will finally be given the green light.
Is it a case of MEPA being strong with the weak and weak with the muscle men!
(JB)
Ms Stephanie Mamo
Apr 14th 2011, 17:34
Great ...I assume it's a question of time before Ramla Bay is ruined !!!!!!
Why can't they leave one of the last few undeveloped beaches alone ........not to say one of the jewels we have left !!!!!!!!!!
Mr Edward Camilleri
Apr 14th 2011, 16:57
Unbelievable! if they cannot pass through the door then they have to pass through the window. with MEPA's approval too!
Mr joe vella
Apr 14th 2011, 16:22
if the developers admitted that they applied for a permit on land which was not theirs, on what grounds where they given a chance to appeal? and if what FAA are stating is correct it is even worse,because people like myself, when I had reason to appeal, were not allowed to do so until a full payment of the appeal fees was effected- two weights and two measures?
further still, is it correct to read between the lines and assume, that these developers, may have information or backing that they might get their permit approved, otherwise why go through all the expense and the bother of a re application (getting signatures) when the odds ought to be so highly stacked against them?
It does not make logic at all, unless they have the laws of probability turned around behind the scenes!
David Youngman
Apr 14th 2011, 21:33
Who was it that before the last election said that ODZ meant ODZ? Were we ment to assume that in future permits would only be given if the application met all criteria for such development? Now we find that what was meant was that the old discredited system of patronage would continue.