Don’t let a petrol station ruin a pristine field – NGOs

Mr T Pace

Aug 10th 2011, 11:13

The NGOs concur that the relocation of this petrol station away from the town square would enhance the appearance of the square as well as remove a health hazard

However it was to be relocated to an area within a building zone, then either a new hazard would be created if buildings are erected in the rest of the building area (the Qajjenza gas depot comes to mind) or else the owners of the adjacent land would be expected to retain it in an undeveloped state. I believe that none of these alternatives are satisfactory.

A compromise has therefore to be reached. It is not practical to assert that any development would ruin the visual aspect of the site in its present state.

Furthermore it is my understanding that it has been government policy for quite some time to try to relocate petrol stations within built-up areas to sites away from inhabited ones. One has also to bear in mind the confusion that is created when vehicles of all types are filling up or when the fuel bowsers go to replenish the tanks.

This confusion/traffic congestion can be seen at other fuel stations such as B'Kara and Sliema.

I do not believe that a fuel station on the outskirts of a town is something that we cannot live with.

Mario Camilleri

Aug 10th 2011, 10:53

Can someone from MEPA explain to the nation the definition of Outside Development Zone, ODZ.
Why are there two ZONES, DZ (development zone) and ODZ (outside.....)?
Who is the sole proprietor of the ODZ areas?
Why did MEPA setup the ODZ and yet MEPA approves may if not all the development is such Zones?
What the the definition of the word MEPA? And does it stand to it's name?
The questions whether very simple need to be clarified. Having an ODZ and yet having more development in these areas rather than in DZ is ridiculous. Therefore no need for MEPA any longer, because it turns out to be an Anti Environment Planning Authority, hence is a Monster with a huge appetite.

Keith Buhagiar

Aug 10th 2011, 10:53

Let us hope that common sense and environmental conscientiousness prevail in MEPA's decision and that this development, if really deemed necessary, diverted to an already disturbed tract to land.

Joe Attard

Aug 10th 2011, 09:53

Patri Mikiel Fsadni featured this picture in his popular book 'Il-Girna-Wirt arkitettoniku u etniku Malti '. on page 69. Another Girna found on this site is featured in the same book on page 74.Shame on everyone involved in this relocation.

Alan Deidun

Aug 10th 2011, 09:25

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110807/environment/The-turn-of-the-tide-.379105

have a look at this article, published last Sunday, in which I gave an alternative site in Mgarr within which petrol station can be sited - and there are countless more such disturbed sites within Mgarr, currently being used as depots of construction debris or for storage of scrap and large vehicles - the argument that the new ODZ site is already owned by the applicant is fallacious - MEPA should direct the applicant on which new sites to acquire (e.g. disturbed ones) before he proceeds to acquire these

Bernard Storace

Aug 10th 2011, 09:16

Come on MEPA...you haven't been doing too badly recently so don't spoil it now by allowing a hideous, smelly petrol station to be built on ODZ/pristine ground opposite the church. On the one hand you insist on telling us that you are here to protec t the environement ,as can be witnessed daily in the Times, while on the other hand you act underhandedly....is this hypocricy or not? Please heed the advice of the NGO's.