NGOs appeal to Mepa to refuse permit for Lidl supermarket in Xewkija
An application for the construction of Lidl supermarket on unbuilt fields in Xewkija Valley is to be decided tomorrow, the NGOs Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar , Friends of the Earth, Gozo University Group, Malta Organic Agriculture Movement, Nature Trust Malta and Ramblers' Association said.
They said the decision on this case had been deferred in spite of the fact that members of Mepa's Environment and Planning Commission found the site too small to accommodate an outlet this size, with adequate parking and maneuvering space.
The organisations said that during the last hearing, FAA raised the point that Mepa regulations recommended that impact retail assessment was carried out for the opening of large supermarkets such as this one in Gozo.
However, this was ignored by the Mepa EPC board, even though the supermarket would have significant impact on other retail outlets in Gozo and on local residents, especially elderly ones, who would be the most affected by the closure of small local grocers.
Registered objectors, they noted were not informed of the submission of new plans, as was their legal right.
The six environment groups said they always maintained that open agricultural land should not be built upon when empty buildings were available, alternatively by demolishing disused or dilapidated structures in urban areas.
This was also raised by the EPC board which also pointed out that the local plan guidelines for this area did not include retail outlets.
"The proposed site on the way to Victoria was a highly visible valley with Xagħra hill as a backdrop. What ruins the environment also ruins Gozo's tourism potential, and must at all costs be avoided.
"Mepa has already blighted Malta with past mistaken decisions, as we have recently seen in the cases of Wied il-Ghasel and the Madliena Ridge project.
"Since MEPA maintains that these past permits cannot be revoked, let us not repeat such mistakes.
"Building a supermarket in Xewkija valley next to an ECO-Gozo water catchment area, instead of in existing empty building, violates the principles of the National Environment Plan and every tenet of sustainability: environmental, social and economic.
"The outcome of this application will indicate whether all the talk of sustainability and ECO Gozo is to remain talk, or to become a genuine political commitment," the organisations said.
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33 Comments
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kenneth mahoney
Jun 2nd 2012, 11:08
I strongly agree with the words said above, because they must study carfully and point out all the posibilties that a supermarket, today before tomorrow's decision.
Natasha Borg
Jun 1st 2012, 14:53
Mr Manning has brought up a very valid point.
This trend of mega markets all over the UK and indeed over much of Europe has caused major economic issues to the locality where it is built. And this is not the only issue. Other issues connected with the impact on the Built Environment add insult to the problem. Such issues include loss of local distinctiveness... with the ripple impacts that brings with it.
Residents in many localities overseas are actually starting to petition to government to close certain mega-stores in their localities. Many studies have been conducted which evaluate the overarching impact of such facilities, and the locations selected to build them in.
Why doesn't Malta [or Gozo, which seems to be more forward looking than the mainland in certain aspects] LEARN from others for a change, by understanding the current issues they face and by making decisions accordingly. If we [the country: the leaders and the followers] stop behaving like sheep for a change, and make intelligent, forward looking strategic decisions, which consider the HOLISTIC and LONG-TERM economic welfare of our country [beyond the immediate gain] the country may stand a chance in actually flourishing, rather than heading towards greater mess.
Anton Scerri Borg
Jun 1st 2012, 13:58
Kumbinazzjoni l-NGO's li ipprotestaw apparti wahda , dik ta' l-istudenti Universitarji( jigifieri anke dawn iktar Malta milli Ghawdex) huma kollha Mlatin. Dawn m'ghandhomx problema biex jixtru mill-Lidl jew ohrajn gganti bhalhom ghax ghandhom bizibilju minnhom. Ara meta dawn bdew jifthu Malta u ghamlu xi erbgha minnhom, min tkellem?!!!!!!!!
Carmel Camilleri
Jun 1st 2012, 11:26
I cannot understand why this area is being considered as ODZ when there is already a lot of building not only next to it but also in front of it .
In my opinion, LIDL has chosen the ideal site in Gozo within reach of all Gozitans, and above all, without any parking problems
It is a fact that at present foreign/local investment in Gozo is non-existent. Any investment of this kind should be encouraged and be most welcomed by one and all.
Astrid Vella
Jun 2nd 2012, 13:01
Carmel, no one is talking about ODZ. There is no building in front of the proposed site, as there is a main road with fields beyond.
If this site were so ideal, why is the MEPA EPC commission so worried about traffic safety, demanding so many studies and even talking about the very real risk of accidents due to vehicles entering and exiting head-on into oncoming trafffic on a main artery? Are you sure you know where we're talking about as your descriptions are totally incorrect.
As for foreign investment, they are welcome to invest in the right site according to MEPA regulations. Can't you see that more projects like this will only undermine other foreign investments in tourism? How shortsighted can we be? Are you noticing that hotels in Gozo are closing, not opening? Doesn't that say something???
James Sciberras
Jun 1st 2012, 10:15
http://www.mepa.org.mt/news-details?id=790
The area where the proposed supermarket is sited is neither scheduled or otherwise protected.
- There is no such protective designation as an "ECO Gozo scheduled water conservation site". This type of designation does not even exist.
- The proposed site is adjacent to an artificial watercourse channel and not within the watercourse. The existing channel will continue to function and water conservation in the area would not be significantly affected.
- The valley bed, as shown in a number of published photographs, is not located within the proposed site.
- All proposed structures and parking facilities are to be constructed within the development boundaries. The rest of the site which lies ODZ will not be built up.
- The site cannot be considered as virgin open land.
- A Traffic Impact Study was by carried out by the applicant’s consultant and approved by Transport Malta.
Astrid Vella
Jun 2nd 2012, 12:55
James, since when is land which has not been built upon, not "virgin open land'. You are quoting MEPA sources which claimed that the Madliena Ridge Project is not a ridge.
At the last hearing they told us that a Retail Impact Assessment is not necessary, now they correct themselves and admit that it is.
You quote "A Traffic Impact Study was by carried out by the applicant’s consultant and approved by Transport Malta" and yet yesterday the board requested Transport Malta's certificate as apparently this study was not certified and approved after all!
Further comments on MEPA's declarations on such matters is superfluous.
Paul Meilak
Jun 1st 2012, 10:12
@ astrid vella
If someone owns a farmhouse and tries to fetch the possibility to expand the pool area, onto a virgin land or even on a precious agricultural land which is next to the present pool area ;
should MEPA respect the spirit of law ?
Carmel Camilleri
Jun 1st 2012, 09:26
I am all for the NGOs' stand for Eco-Gozo. However, bringing into play, arguments more akin to competitors business interests is not on. Let the market rule. Small grocers are present all over Malta, even though there are a number of supermarkets (all brands). Give us Gozitans a chance to savour real quality at affordable prices without having to travel to Malta for our grocery shopping.
So please NGO's Live and let Live !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
G G Debono
May 31st 2012, 22:57
To ..........................Janet Bayes
Janet Bayes
You say “competition in business is healthy”
It's certainly healthy for Big Business ! Is it not healthy when Big Business (=Big Money) destroys not only the small businesses but also somehow manages to bulldoze through a permit for a monster which ruins yet more untouched land – when there are alternatives as using derelict buildings? .
Competition becomes meaningless whn it means going beyond sustainability. This proposed supermarket on virgin land goes against too many principles to be acceptable.
Competition nhas the be fair and other aspects – as social aspects have to be considered.
Developments of this sort are systematically destroying village life – and grocers, butchers, green grocers, street vendors and corner mini-markets are having to close down. This deprives the elderly (or the less well-off with no car) of a social focus and robs them of independence by putting shopping out of their reach.
By making small corner shops close down, such developments rob village cores of their social function destroys irretrievably so much that is fundamental to our society.
They are also an eyesore.
Mr Don Manning
May 31st 2012, 20:13
You should see the devistation inernational supermarkets bring to the High Street in the UK I will list the groups of products and the reader can work out what local shops will close. News Papers, realy cheap European wine, beer and spirits, mens woman and chidrens clothing, automabile consumables, pots and pans, china, linen, chemist shop stuff plus makeup, garden equipment and plants, TV's and white goods (fridges ovens etc.) this must sound great to the money saving public BUT.... In the UK I have 6 cometing with each other, I also have empty shops, in Gozo once all the shops are closed will the prices remain low, I doubt it, plus you have to get in the car for every visit.
C Cassar
May 31st 2012, 19:14
Jahasra ftit metri 'l boghod hemm industrial estate shih vojt fix-Xewkija. Ghax ma juzawx lilhom?!!!
Alan Xuereb
Jun 1st 2012, 07:46
Sur Cassar,
l-ewwel haga trid tara jekk ta' min hu dan l-industrial estate u jekk iridx ibih. Jekk minn naha l-ohra min ghandu l-art u irid ibiha, issa jekk hux lill-lidl jew xi kuntrattur biex jitilghu cappa flats ohra, ma tantx taghmel differenza.
Janet Bayes
May 31st 2012, 17:55
I understand all the comments passed by readers.
BUT - - I also understand that competition in business is healthy. The reason all small shops survive here is because they all buy their goods from the same supplier for the same price, and all knock out the goods at about the same price.
I agree with the NGO's somewhat - - there should be a traffic safety audit. BUT this has not been possible during the roadbuilding programme that has been going on. There are, of course, nice new bus routes to use, and it isnt always necessary to take the car to shop. Indeed some people even WALK to the shops you know.
Seems most local people shop daily anyways - - unlike we Brits who seem to tend to shop monthly.
There is, it would seem, good and bad for and against the building of a supermarket. It is my opinion it would be detrimental to Gozo NOT to build, if only to introduce some healthy competition for those that reside here year round.
Astrid Vella
May 31st 2012, 18:08
Ms Bates, its not so much a question of whether to set up Lidl in Gozo or not, although it is felt that if it wants to improve its credibility, MEPA should respect the spirit of the law and not just the letter of the law in asking for the recommended Retail Assessment.
Still Lidl could bring greater competitivity to Gozo if it were set up in a disused building, instead of occupying precious agricultural land.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
May 31st 2012, 18:13
Ms bayes, the closest buildings to this site are hundreds of metres away. Are you suggesting that any goes supermarket shoping and carried the purchase for hundreds of metres?
Astrid Vella
May 31st 2012, 20:11
Janet, this does not have to be about building a branch of Lidl in Gozo or not, but about WHERE it's built. Whether to build it on an agricultural field, ruining yet another precious landscape or by adapting some unused building. This would not just benefit the environment but especially help ensure Gozitan jobe in tourism.
Lawrence Camilleri
May 31st 2012, 23:02
quote .. "unlike we Brits who seem to tend to shop monthly. ..." unquote. Why not go and shop once a year in Briatin dear Ms Bates!
anthony abela
May 31st 2012, 16:40
Now that it has become custom that Ministers are made responsible for their 'not doings', & while hoping that the PL will guarantee to do the same if/when elected, I see no problem making MEPA officials shoulder responsibility for issuing controvertial permits.
After reading Albert Mizzi's interview where he expressed his sorrow for not visualising the disaster that Tigne did to the harbour & Valletta, I was surprised how come nobody in MEPA drew Mr Mizzi's attention to this ...... !!!
One also needs to abolish the practice of resigning from a board to avoid accusation - a few cases come to mind where members on the MEPA board issued controvertial permits than resigned in time to be able to shed responsibility.
I believe, that people holding such posts, being instrumental in permanently destroying or preserving certain sites, be personally responsible for their actions for as long as it takes.
Henry S Pace
May 31st 2012, 16:37
@Joe Grech
' many tiny village shops will be ruined by Lidl
TtHE CONSUMERS WOULD GET VALUE FOR MONEY.
THE WRKERS WOULD GET THEIR WAGES IN TIME. .
Mario Spiteri
May 31st 2012, 17:58
Mr. Pace if Lidl sets up in a disused building, "THE CONSUMERS WOULD GET VALUE FOR MONEY" and "THE WRKERS WOULD GET THEIR WAGES IN TIME" right? And we would protect the landscape and tourism right?
O Galea
May 31st 2012, 16:35
So speculators/developers dropped down what would have been an amazing boutique hotel "The Duke of Edinburgh" to construct Dukes - a monumental waste of space and money.
They should just put Lidl there instead of destroying yet more countryside.
Tourists don't go to gozo to see that kind of eyesore.
Matthew Xuereb
May 31st 2012, 16:35
It would be better if they simply use the old milk factory which is about 100m down the road instead of building on agricultural land.
stephen koludrovic
May 31st 2012, 16:27
Instead of building on virgin ground,Why can't Lidl just take one of the empty factories and turn that into supermarket.
Joe Grech
May 31st 2012, 16:17
It will be not just a shame but a scandal if the Lidl supermarket is built on these fields.
that apart from the fact that since Gozo has a small population, many tiny village shops will be ruined by Lidl. remember it does not just get food, vegs and fruit. It gets clothes, shoes, tools and whatever.
This administration will be dealing Gozitana a huge blow if that supermarket ever opens!
Stef Azzopardi
May 31st 2012, 16:36
So what?? These small shops should lower their profit margins and customers will still shop from them! There is definitely a reason WHY people shop at LIDL!!!
Mario Borg
May 31st 2012, 16:57
Please note that the field in the foreground is NOT the site for this application. This field is infact outside the development zone and therefore protected. The site is the unbuilt uncultivated plot u can barely see beyond this field, on which some tankers are currently parked. Sure it is unbuilt land...but it has been earmarked for development for the past 15 years!
Mr Andrew Camilleri
May 31st 2012, 18:16
Mario Borg: it will still be an eyesore and still built on virgin land. So I suppose a road needs to be built also to reach the main road. This spells an environmental disasted and of the EPD at MEPA does not object vociferously against this project, they should pack up and go home.
Astrid Vella
May 31st 2012, 19:05
Mario, just because the field was designated as within the building zone SIX - not 15 - years ago, in the abusive Local Plans, don't mean that it is good to build on agricultural land. Especially when there's a disused factory right next door!
David John
May 31st 2012, 19:40
Mr. Grech,
Or you an owner of one of these tine village shops. If you have any problem with Lidl don't buy from them, just keep maintaining those tiny village shops and let other people live.
Joe Grech
May 31st 2012, 20:14
David John
Are3 you a Gozitan? I thought Gozitans stood by each other. Yours is a silly comment.
Lawrence Camilleri
May 31st 2012, 23:08
@ Mr Mario Borg - the photo is the site proposed for building the supermarket. Apparently you can' believe that is the case and you are right there in your disbelief.
Mario Borg
Jun 1st 2012, 10:34
@Lawrence Camilleri: Again: The field in the foreground is NOT the site. Its the next 'field' after that, which is uncultivated. Check your facts: the site plan is available for all to see on MEPA website.
@Astrid: We already had this discussion: you cannot simply suggest things like the reuse of the milk factory, as if it was a solution. Do you even know if that factory is for sale, or if it is being offered at a decent price?
Please choose the reason of your report below: