Caravan park plan is thrown out
The campsite was proposed for the Ta’ Jelli area in Naxxar. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli
The Environment Planning Tribunal has dismissed an appeal to build a 1,000 square metre caravan park in a development zone in Naxxar.
Situated in Ta’ Jelli area in Naxxar, close to Magħtab, the site had been slapped with an enforcement notice in 2001 because it had already started operating illegally as a caravan park.
The developer turned to the tribunal after the planning authority threw out an application to build the park because it did not fall in line with the area’s policies. The site falls within an area of agricultural value and is classified as a rural settlement.
Converting the site into a caravan park “will lead to the degradation of the agricultural value” of the site and “further unnecessary take-up of fresh land for development”, the planning authority had said.
The applicant argued that the Magħtab area, which was close to the landfill, was committed to various industrial and agricultural developments and there were no other places to park the caravans.
The controversial issue of caravan parks came under the media spotlight during the past week when campers at Marsaxlokk bay were evicted after five men assaulted a man protesting against the campsite.
According to planning policies, acceptable land uses for the Magħtab area are farmhouses for livestock use, agricultural buildings and retail outlets for farms.
The planning authority had said: “The proposed caravan park constitutes a land use which is non-compliant with the permitted uses in the rural settlement.” It added that it was “an unjustified urban type of development” at the expense of other agricultural uses.
The tribunal also noted that a number of planning applications had been refused on grounds of loss of agricultural land. However, illegal development still took place.
It also threw out the applicant’s argument that there were no other areas to park caravans. While admitting there were a number of uses that did not fall in line with the area’s policies, the tribunal said these had taken place before the local plans were established.
“The aim of the local plan is to stop these uses to allow the place, over time, to regain its rural character,” the tribunal said.
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33 Comments
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J Micallef
Aug 20th 2012, 10:26
Of course! Th ebest parts of the land are first left abandoned - like the Whit eRocks complex - only to be given to specualtors later on, but some decent piece of land cannot be allocated for caravans.
I have absolutley no interest in caravan-ing myself (cannot do without the luxeries at home) but why cannot some piece of land be allocated to these people?
Pippo De Marco
Aug 20th 2012, 10:24
I have every sympathy for those people living in the ever-growing urban sprawl who escape to their caravans for some temporary respite. However, touring caravans are frustrating mobile roadblocks that are totally inappropriate for our narrow, potholed and overcrowded roads.
If a suitable place could be found, then how about converting some of our famous old buses into static caravans? - That would provide a unique leisure opportunity for heritage-loving locals and tourists alike.
Just a thought !
Comparatively speaking, nowhere in Malta is far from the seaside.
Pippo De Marco
Aug 20th 2012, 11:57
Or maybe a well-connected developer could build an ugly, multi-story, high-rise caravan park in a beautiful seaside location. - It could have a large spiral caravan lift on the outside that doubles as a 'London Eye' type viewing vehicle, a fast food court at ground level and an all-weather recreation park on the roof with water slides and bungee ropes dropping into the sea. Oh, and a nightclub / 24hr casino.
Couldn't happen ? - Well once upon a time I would have said, 'Absolutely not'. However, having seen what some developers and even Prime Ministers have got away with building in recent years, I wouldn't rule anything out.
Reginald Borg
Aug 20th 2012, 10:05
If a caravan site for 1000 units is needed, why not develop the site of the abandoned holiday complex in St.Andrews?
Mr Luke Vella
Aug 20th 2012, 09:52
Jigri x'jigri f'dan il-pajjiz iz-zghir dejjem jaqlaghha u l-kbir u minn hu b'sahhtu dejjem minn fuq!!!
S. Camilleri
Aug 20th 2012, 09:50
Funny that a couple of mobile rooms (caravans) occupying a piece of land next to maghtab, surely not very appealing, are being bullied BUT permanent structures on prime public land in Armier are treated with a golden glove!
G Zammit
Aug 20th 2012, 09:42
I really cant believe how arrogant some people are. Of course there should be a caravan park or a lovely campsite on this Island. Why not? and dont say there isnt space, because there is. A well taken care of stretch of land with green grass, trees, proper facilities, park for children etc (nothing like the photo above) would be perfect to get away from everyday life. You dont have to travel 5,6,7hrs away from home for this to happen. Just remember not everyone is able to afford to go abroad, why shouldn't they enjoy the pleasure of camping also?
Camping is great for family bonding. Kids love camping, and its the best way to get them away from all those electronics and appreciate nature.
I use to go camping at Selmun & there is nothing so blissfull then waking up in the morning to the sound of waves and utter silence.
But I have to say one important matter that is unfortunatly not practiced much by the maltese & its so sad, When camping outdoors or a day at the beach, please be kind to the enviornment. Always take a garbage bag with you to collect your own rubbish.
G Zammit
Aug 20th 2012, 08:50
If there is room to build a hotel there is room for a caravan park!!!
F. Pisani
Aug 20th 2012, 07:49
I have passed from here and I know where the area is. It’s not a caravan park, it's a dump area more and things should be reanstated as quickly as possible!!!
john chircop
Aug 20th 2012, 06:55
To all concerned,Malta is not big enough to be having caravans in the first place.When are you people going to accept this fact?The country cant even cope with some of the bigger vehicles we have let alone you want to trail around in caravans.If you want to go out with your caravan go abroad where there is room and approved areas exactly for that reason.Also common sense would also help.
Anthony Paul Naudi
Aug 20th 2012, 06:15
Why there is always an excuse for everything ? There should be lots of caravan parks as overseas. All facilities are to be available so caravan owners can spend some leisure time always against payment.
The MEPA instead of refusing should investigate how away from our Island the caravan parks are managed.
AP Naudi
J Micallef
Aug 20th 2012, 10:28
Well said.
But MEPA rarely finds objection for permanent development of other sites...it all depends on who is making the pplication, it seems.
Anthony Paul Naudi
Aug 20th 2012, 06:08
Although it's said that maghtab is closed it still discharges toxic fumes and sometimes according the wind direction one can hardly breath whilst driving through the coast road.
A.P. Naudi
G Zammit
Aug 20th 2012, 08:15
Its not closed
Alfred Spiteri
Aug 19th 2012, 23:28
Caravans Park is the best idea I came from Australia after 30 years and they have Caravan Parks near the sea
you pay $200 a week for he Caravan that includes Shower & TV and you can use the outside Shower to for men and Women separate The government will charge money for renting the Caravan for Holidays season only Summer that it
Edward Curmi
Aug 20th 2012, 09:54
In Malta the difference is that we want everything for FREE!!!
Mr Evan Camilleri
Aug 19th 2012, 21:51
Agreed - it's illegal ... REMOVE IT ... but:
1 - when are the illegal boathouses going to be removed ???
2 - when will the government allow/plan for Caravan/Camping siteS accross Malta/Gozo ???
C Borg
Aug 19th 2012, 19:00
Why is bathing in the sea across the maghtab landfill prohibited on the grounds of low quality seawater, and yet agriculture is allowed to take place (assumption based to this article)?
Shouldn't the sea and land be treated in the same way?
C Cassar
Aug 19th 2012, 20:21
The surface layers aren't toxic so agricultural use is fine. Deeper down, the soil still contains toxic substances. Water leaches these out and into the sea. That's why bathing is banned. However, plenty of local Maltese ignore the very important notices and by doing so are putting themselves and their children and long term health risk. Now that's the issue, the term 'long term' which the Maltese simply don't understand. It's a big sign of lack of education.
Lawrence Fenech
Aug 19th 2012, 20:53
C Borg.
You are right, it's a beautiful small sandy beach in a beautiful area, the authorities concerned should make this area available to bathers and have it cleaned up and certified good for bathing.
clive borg
Aug 19th 2012, 23:01
@ Lawrence Fenech - if its unfit for swimming how it should be certified good for bathing! Unless tests doesn't show its unfit, it should remain so....
C Cassar
Aug 20th 2012, 07:20
It can't be just 'cleaned up' because toxins are leaching from deep inside the Maghtab area. Unfotunately this will take many more years to improve. At the end of the day, the Maltese people are reaping what they sowed many years ago. It's got nothing to do with any government but simply the greed and short ter view of ordinaty Maltese citizens.
Charles Muscat
Aug 19th 2012, 13:07
What a load of rubbish. To me it does not look like an agricultural site. Whats behind this? Someone must have something in mind for profiteering.
Joe Vella
Aug 19th 2012, 19:04
Ye, for sure, close to a landfill.
G G Debono
Aug 19th 2012, 19:55
re "does not look like an agricultural site."
Maybe it was an agricultural site once and can be restored.....
C Cassar
Aug 19th 2012, 09:46
What is the point of owning a caravan or tent in Malta unless they are strictly used for overseas trips? No where is far enough where you can't get back home in more than 1hr. The Maltese need to understand that they live on a very small island and certain 'wants' in their lives are not possible or sustainable. This is yet another unsustainable and pointless persuit by the Maltese who really need to understand and accept the limitations of the country they live in.
Charles Muscat
Aug 19th 2012, 13:37
You got it wrong. Where did you get the idea that caravans are designed for short or long distances?
Caravans are clean and hygienic more than the boat house that are illegally build around the Island. The government should allow more space for caravan parks around the Island and get rid of the boat houses altogether.
Mr R.E. Saliba
Aug 19th 2012, 15:13
@C Cassar
What is it to you???
Let them caravan and camp if they feel like.
Way better entertainment for kids than sitting at home playing pc games.
Anyhow it makes more sense to give land for this project than to build massive blocks of tiny apartments that no one needs.
Franco Farrugia
Aug 19th 2012, 18:56
I think that both of you have valid points. Mr Cassar rightly points out that the islands are far too small and limited to expect caravan owners to have ample room where to practice caravanning.
Mr Muscat is also correct - after all, we have plenty of space 'dedicated', even if illegally, to permanent boat-houses-of-sorts. Admittedly, caravans are more congruous than the boat-houses we see around and caravans are specifically built for the purpose.
We should do away altogether with these boat-houses - remove them in toto - and dedicate one or two of the patches previously used for them for caravanning - orderly, legal, with all amenities.
Brian Portelli
Aug 19th 2012, 20:21
You are right C Cassar. Mr Saliba, take your kids out to play instead of playing games at home and afterwards go back home after a 15 minute drive. No need for a caravan
Ben Agius
Aug 20th 2012, 01:48
If there is to be a caravan park or two on Malta, then proper Govt permits should be obtained and proper facilities built with provision of services etc which the users have to pay for. Then it's a small business. the issue is that these people want to squat somewhere for free - perhaps!
john chircop
Aug 20th 2012, 07:03
Spot on Mr.Cassar I have already made a comment on this issue.Its not like people cant go away for the day and return the next day!My god wow people might travel all the way from the south of the island to the north taking them how long a journey,3 hours,5 hours! I dont think so.Yet they think its a valid point to go with their caravans and park them where they want to.Again common sense dictates you cant do what ever you want,simple as that,just accept your surroundings its not hard!
Andrej Psaila
Aug 20th 2012, 08:48
Tents are useless as well? Are you saying that spending a weekend in the Mellieha area in a tent is the same as spending a weekend at home?
Please choose the reason of your report below: