Zebbiegh development permit approved
Photo: Matthew Mirabelli
An Environment Planning Commission this afternoon approved a permit for a basement and garages, flats and two penthouses on an already approved development at Mgarr, limits of Zebbiegh.
The commission, chaired by Franco Sinagra, imposed a number on conditions on the developer including that the works should be monitored by an archaeologist approved by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and according to terms of reference issued by the superintendence.
No works, including rock cutting could be carried out to the north of the site, where there are a number archaeological remains. Any rock cutting could only take place following a full archaeological evaluation.
During the meeting, Astrid Vella of Flimkien ghal-Ambjent Ahjar, pointed that the developer had breached a number of previous permit conditions in other permits.
However, Mr Sinagra pointed out that he could only take decision on this particular permit, without going into what had happened previously.
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Joe Fenech
Aug 8th 2012, 12:58
"
During the meeting, Astrid Vella of Flimkien ghal-Ambjent Ahjar, pointed that the developer had breached a number of previous permit conditions in other permits"
Don't waste your time Astrid. MALTA IS FINISHED!
Rupert Grech
Aug 8th 2012, 09:00
More, more, more more.............
When will someone with a vision for Malta stop this overdevelopment? Will there be no open space left in 50 years?
M Grima
Aug 8th 2012, 07:31
Astrid Vella of Flimkien ghal-Ambjent Ahjar can hold her breath because from now until the date of the election, MEPA will issue such pemits as if they were 'pastizzi'.
Carmel Garcia
Aug 8th 2012, 07:23
In the first half of the 1980's a whole archaeological site was found in Tarxien. A decision by a minister was to sweep everything so that a football ground will be built. And so we lost everything found with a stupid decision of a minister.
Silvio Abela
Aug 8th 2012, 06:41
Remember Government sees all this activity as a healthy input for the economy. It will NEVER legislate in favour for rural lands to remain so. Too much pressure from developers and land sharks. Weak stance when opposing developers.
What makes this developer think that he/she can immediately sell his new apartments when there are hundreds if not thousands still on the market? Bye Bye garigue. Bye bye open spaces.
Shame, shame, shame.
Jonathan Paul Cuschieri
Aug 8th 2012, 00:53
Yet another incursion into virgin land!
Yet another blind eye but the usual Authority!
Mark Amaira
Aug 8th 2012, 00:02
GĦARUKAŻA!!! KULLIMKIEN!
Tony Camilleri
Aug 8th 2012, 00:00
I hope that the new Labour Government will hold everyone personally responsible for his or her actions and that the law is amended accordingly.
Clinton Grima
Aug 7th 2012, 23:48
Sirs and Madam
I read the article and your coments.
Who told you that this site has been found with archaeologic remains?
This is a site in building area perimeter for your information. Who told you it's odz?
Who ever is crying this empty plot he or she can knock down his house and we make some clear space too
It's really a shame that we comment in this stupid manner and predict on something none of you know about it
R Zammit
Aug 8th 2012, 19:24
Mr.Grima
It was professional archeologists who discovered these remains not someone who was just happening to pass by that area. Before attempting to judge anyone else kindly familiarize yourself with the FACTS first.
Joseph Zerafa
Aug 7th 2012, 22:49
L-effett ta' wara li tnehha l-perit Joe Falzon diga beda jinhass, ftit tal-jiem biss wara!!
R Zammit
Aug 7th 2012, 21:41
Kieku dawn il fdallijiet instabu f'pajjizi ohra (barra min Malta) kienu jozghuhom mhux jibnu fuqhom. Hemm hafna izjed fdallijiet mirdumin mal-madwar. Hija tal-misthija li hareg il permess!
Charles Grixti
Aug 7th 2012, 21:37
My friend visited Malta recently and we went to Mgarr and he was shocked at the ruin of the land - all built up. and not like he remembered it almost a decade ago. It almost made him cry. Too late now, I do not think that there is anything left of Malta to salvage, thanks to the shortsighted greed of many individuals.
ANTHONY PAVIA
Aug 8th 2012, 08:23
I have witnessed Malta change for the worse in these last 50 years. Moreover, the destruction had accelerated and been worse over the last 25 years. The present administration finding its excuses in the excesses of the previous administration. The latest atrocity being the complete uglification of the entrance to Valletta.
While Malta watches helplessly and weeps its lost "ambiance". Shockingly I have to agree with you.
Catherine Polidano
Aug 7th 2012, 20:06
Sadly, permitting these apartments may be cited as precedent by developers pressing MEPA for permits to build more apartment buildings in the surrounding rural area.
However, parliament needs to legislate to make it a legally unacceptable for MEPA to concede a permit which breaks policies because in the past such a mistake was made. In this way the law would embody the basic tenet that two or more wrongs don't make a right.
Edward Mallia
Aug 7th 2012, 21:35
But as was pointed out by the out-going Auditor of Mepa, the greatest problem with that organisation is political interference. No politician, better still no politician in power, would easily want to give up such a source of votes. So he generally puts his cronies-- used car salesmen, lawyers, periti in positions of 'trust' as some minister would put it. Pretty apt too, for these are people who can be trusted to do as they are told, without bothering about two wrongs not making a right. That sort of twaddle is for little children. Parliament can legislate until it is blue in the face. Unless there is a change of tack by politicians then we will remain stuck in the present mud.
Joseph Hollier
Aug 7th 2012, 19:53
Disgusting. Shame on MEPA. When are these people going to start protecting our limited countryside.
Joe Morana
Aug 7th 2012, 19:40
When will this madness stop ...????? Shame !
Johnny Xerri
Aug 7th 2012, 20:03
when malta becomes a concrete jungle...oops sorry already is...so might as well go on forever
Adrian Grech
Aug 7th 2012, 19:39
hawn bizzejd djar vojta .arukaza u tal misthija mepa.
Mark Jones
Aug 7th 2012, 19:20
why? Aren't there enough flats and penthouses in malta?
Johnny Xerri
Aug 7th 2012, 19:58
apparently there is enough for the market...actually more than enough...however, not enough for other reasons...however innocent these reasons may be (lol) 'fimta'
Mark Jones
Aug 7th 2012, 20:20
heheheh IR RIFORMA TAL MEPA :)
Mark Scicluna
Aug 7th 2012, 19:10
Ghalekk tajjruh lil-perit Falzon, bdew hergin il-permessi bl-addocc, tidher li waslet l-elezzjoni, viva l-ODZ Sur Prim Ministru!
j brincat
Aug 7th 2012, 18:56
Why is it that nothing surprises me any more?
And as the fever gets higher we will see MORE of the same!
One only has to go back to 2008!
(jb)
A. Mizzi
Aug 7th 2012, 18:35
Fejnu l'Awditur tal-MEPA?
Xejn ma jsir b'kumbinazzjoni!
cesco di luigi
Aug 7th 2012, 18:33
U iva..we have so much culture concentrated at Valletta city gate what does it matter....
Alexander Pace Gouder.
Aug 7th 2012, 17:36
PROSIT MEPA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ramon Cassaro
Aug 7th 2012, 17:18
Imma ghala dejjem kullhadd igerger,li jsir bini fil kampanja ma tkunx tkerrah jew teqred l`ambjent,l`ambjent ikun ikrah jew jinqered bid-dura tal-kaccatur jew tan-nassab mhux hekk,allavolja gieli tkun mibnija bil gebel tas-sejjieh mal`istess hitan tal-post.Prosit MEPA talli ma fadalx nofs kilometru kwadru sew ga Malta kif ukoll go Ghawdex li ma hemmx xi binja go fiha,kollha bil barka tal MEPA.
B Attard
Aug 7th 2012, 17:16
Disgusting Dawn jibzghu ghal-ambjent??
Lucienne Dimech
Aug 7th 2012, 17:14
Want are we doing with all these flats? Is there such a demand for such housing units? What if one doesn't want to live in a flat , Malta should change its name to Appartment Island.
George Amato
Aug 7th 2012, 17:14
MEPA does it again. Under a barrage of flimsy excuses they will find a way to let another development maisonettes and flats to go up. As usual the excuse is that there was already a permit for a development - usually this would be for a smaller and more acceptable size and then we allow monstrosities to be built. Why does MEPA refuse to say why we are actually allowing this destruction to go ahead.
Joseph A Borg
Aug 7th 2012, 17:08
what a waste… Didn't Mario De Marco say we need to develop our unique local product instead of going for international blando? or something to that effect?
This is yet another indictment of the current administration… I still remember fighting tooth and nail against the miżbla proposed by PN when Ninu Zammit was still minister in the limits of Mnajdra and Hagar Qim.
That cost me a lot of time protesting whilst some successful businessmen and politicians where lining contracts and commissions on the project…
J Galea
Aug 7th 2012, 17:07
Is the plan to cov zebbiegh church the way Manikata church has been completely erased and the way Fgura church has been completely obligated from the scene. Malta, wake up before the tourists have nothing to come here and see except our ugly buildings.
ANTHONY PAVIA
Aug 7th 2012, 17:07
It seems that Government has decided to throw all caution to the wind and allow any dicey spending of money as long as it somehow keeps the faltering pace of the economy going at least just for some more months, then to hell with it.
D Borg
Aug 7th 2012, 17:03
WHO is going to shoulder PERSONAL LIABILITY for this decision?
Is it Mr. Sinagra individually or with the other commission members?
If not, will it be the Minister who appointed him/them?
If not, will it be the Prime Minister?
If not........carry on the rape.
Borg D
Aug 8th 2012, 00:50
Ms. Borg,
the answer is simple.....NO ONE!
This is Malta.....governed by blue and red clowns. Pity we all follow them and believe in what they promise. The real enemy of our country is the politician!
Paul Giordimaina
Aug 8th 2012, 07:53
Mr Borg daz zmien kulhadd sar konxju tal lambjent u kulhadd qed jiftah halqu,qabel hadd ma kien jitniffes u iktar meta issemi lil PM il lum tista tejt li trid bhal ma qed taghmel int minajr biza,avolja kull ma qed int ghal PL propoganda.
Joseph Aquilina
Aug 7th 2012, 17:02
So is it still allowed to build penthouses in Malta?? I was under the impression that this was no longer allowed.
Mr Duncan Scerri
Aug 7th 2012, 17:51
"So is it still allowed to build penthouses in Malta?? I was under the impression that this was no longer allowed."
A penthouse is the top floor apartment in a block of flats. You're under the impression that it's illegal to build flats here?
Seriously confused.
Joseph Aquilina
Aug 7th 2012, 18:36
No a penthouse is not like any other floors, there are specific laws that show how a penthouse are different then any other floor. To my knowlegde MEPA was no longer giving permits for penthouses.
Steve Zammit
Aug 7th 2012, 16:37
Prosit MEPA
Din l-area daqt timtela bil-bini ikrah u bla bzonn, ghala post bhal Zebbiegh tridu timlewh bini ukoll???
Patrick Mangion
Aug 7th 2012, 16:34
Disgusting!!!! I bought the maisonette opposite this site knowing it was a green area.....MEPA should be ashamed of themselves...How can we bring tourists to our history if we knock down history ourselves...MONEY MONEY MONEY
Maria Camilleri
Aug 7th 2012, 17:02
Maybe Mr Mangion can sue his vendor for "bejgh b'qerq " as we say in Maltese since his vendor could not compromise other people's land.
Thomas Rubicon
Aug 7th 2012, 17:14
Green Area? What Green Area Mr.Mangion!
The only Green Area that will remain in Malta will be Girgenti - where the mighty rule.
MF V
Aug 7th 2012, 18:25
Sur Mangion, mela l-problema issa mhix li hemm wirt arkeologiku imma li kont imwieghed li kienet se tibqa green area u ma titattiex il-veduta? Filkaz, morru solvu l-problemi taghkom ma min bieghelkom il-flats ax ma kellu l-ebda dritt iwieghed dan dwar art li mhix tieghu. U jekk il-flat tieghek qieghed opposite din is-site, allura teknikament qieghed eqreb lejn it-tempji ta' Skorba.. Min jaf x'kien hemm fl-art li fiha llum qieghed toqghod inti ux?????? Nixtieq nirrimarka ukoll li x-xoghol kollu li sar s'issa u li eventwalment isir, ikun kollu taht supervizjoni kontinwa ta Heritage Malta li s'issa ma sabu l-ebda oggezzjoni ghall-izvilupp ta dan is-sit ax mhemm l-ebda wirt arkeologiku ta valur fih.
Ema Camilleri
Aug 7th 2012, 20:38
Mr Mangion, I tend to find your statement and grudge towards the developers a bit contradictory. Worrying about history when you 'knocked down' history yourself as you live in the area.
I wonder whether the residents are really worried about the assumed archeological remaining they are remarking about or where their buildings the only designated buildings to be build in Zebbiegh?
Maria Camilleri
Aug 9th 2012, 02:26
I am still awaiting a reply from Mr Mangion.
In the meantime I would like to ask what is being done by the NGO's about the cart ruts and remains in Roman Baths Road? What is the Local Council of Mgarr and the Councillors of Mgarr doing about these remains (what in Maltese we call Fdal and not Fdalijiet)? In my opinion the tombs should be cleaned by Din L-Art Helwa/Heritage and other organizations and become an attraction for tourists. Since the garden was abandoned what are the plans for the site before one turns for Bingemma (behind the bus stop)?
Mr Jamie Frendo
Aug 7th 2012, 16:33
Sure why not build more Blocks of flats, we can always use more flats on this island...NOT! but then again developers will keep building as long as people keep getting into debt and borrowing money from the banks with the idea they are saving, (an average 130,000 EUR per Flat in Shell form would reqiure another 30,000 to finish and with a loan of 150,000 you'll end up paying 310,000 back) untill the property bubble goes pop that is! Just saying........
A. Sciberras
Aug 7th 2012, 16:21
prosit mepa! what happened to odzs?
Thomas Rubicon
Aug 7th 2012, 16:20
Quoted: "....However, Mr Sinagra pointed out that he could only take decision on this particular permit, without going into what had happened previously."
Very convenient
We all know the modus operandi of these contractors!
S Cachia
Aug 7th 2012, 16:09
this proves that with money you can do everything! there are lots of places where to build his flats and penthouses, why does he want to build them here, with a huge risk to some archeological findings? then we try to promote Malta as a haven for archaelogical and historical enthusiasts. wow. and what if someone comes along and offers 1 billion euros for the land of hagar qim/imnajdra to build his penthouses there? will mepa approve??
Patrick Mangion
Aug 7th 2012, 16:35
Well said!
Mark Vella
Aug 7th 2012, 16:06
Why not build another empty block of flats by another unlawfull developer on another part of our country side that will leave yet anothe pile of rubbish and an other unsafe location while the works are under way.
Prosit MEPA, yet another disgrace.....in Zebbieh!
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Aug 7th 2012, 15:02
"During the meeting, Astrid Vella of Flimkien ghal-Ambjent Ahjar, pointed that the developer had breached a number of previous permit conditions in other permits." From the article it is not clear if Ms Vella is referring to permits on other sites or in relation to this site (I understand that there have been previous permits issued). If permits referred to relate to this site, I find it very odd that Mr Sinagra would not take note of them. This is a very important acheological site and it is a real shame that the permit has been issued for these buildings just meters away from the site.
Edward Mallia
Aug 7th 2012, 14:55
How come chairmen of most if not all MEPA boards seem to wear blinkers, suffer memory lapses, have occasional and conveniently timed bouts of dementia, lose files in transit across some courtyard at St. Francis Ravelin etc. I guess it is time to test the metal of the new Commissioner for the Environment.
We shall put in an application for an audit of the Zebbiegh permit in all its aspects, including the apparently drugged behaviour of the Superintendence for Antiquities.
Arthur Taliana
Aug 7th 2012, 18:15
They do so because that is exactly what they are appointed to do. Elementary.
M Darmanin
Aug 7th 2012, 14:48
and they say that property is stagnated :/
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