Villas application approved
An aerial view of the area. Photo: Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar
The planning authority’s Environment and Planning Commission has approved the renewal of a permit to erect 2 semi-detached villas and a detached villa on the Ta’ Saura Rabat Ridge.
During the hearing, architect Carmel Cacopardo, who appeared on behalf of Rabat residents argued that the original permit had been approved when the local plan designated the area as an area that should be protected. He argued that the permit should not be renewed.
But commission chairman Sandra Magro pointed out that, according to the criteria required for a renewal, unless there was a change of policy, which there was not since the approval, the commission was bound by the original permit.
The renewal of the permit was approved with four votes in favour and one against.
Speaking after the hearing Mr Cacopardo said that the site had been investigated by former auditor Joe Falzon, who had said that there were irregularities and no permits should have been issued on site.
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13 Comments
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Pippo de Marco
Nov 14th 2012, 22:00
So, if 'irregularities' have been unearthed that could or should have caused an original permit to be denied, then MEPA cannot now refuse to renew a potentially illegal permit ? - What ?!!!
So, if someone commits a crime and gets way with it, then they cannot be prevented from doing it again ?
Am I missing something here ? - Or is this yet another example of OIM ?
A. Mizzi
Nov 15th 2012, 20:49
Who can afford 2 semi-detached villas and a detached villa on the Ta’ Saura Rabat Ridge can afford MEPA!
Money does talk and has a way of convincing as well : )
Peter Murray
Nov 14th 2012, 21:43
Thank the lord for the MEPA reform -as where would we be without this robust and stringent reformation and the Environment enforcement measures imposed .What a sham and a parody of probity and accountability MEPA actually are.
Dominic Attard
Nov 14th 2012, 20:54
Shame on those who approved this application. This will be an eye soar which will ruin the view of Rabat. The legislators should consider provisions which allows citizens and communities to sue regulators personally in such situations. This will make regulators more careful and correct. If only this country could learn.
Joe Grech
Nov 14th 2012, 19:47
I believe Perit Carmel Cacopardo in this. Commission chairman Sandra Magro's ''reasoning'' does not convince.
Building Speculators are still being made happy by MEPA....as they've been for the last 25 years or so!
mary pace
Nov 14th 2012, 19:03
Fejn huma l-awtoritajiet li jipprotegu lill-ambjent f'dil-gzira zghira?... li minflok jipproteguh, jaghmlu l-oppost!meta biex tibni kamra zghira go ghalqa ghall-uzu tar-raba joggezzjonawlek, filwaqt li japprovaw zviluppi massicci u mhux permessibbli?Jidher li mhux qed tintuza' l-istess riga ma' kulhadd? Minjaf ghaliex?
E Schembri
Nov 14th 2012, 16:09
Once again MEPA is a joke and spineless, and the contractors continue destroying our limited environment in order to sustain their luxury lifestyles.
And all this when 80,000+ dwellings are vacant.
Mario Tabone-Vassallo
Nov 14th 2012, 15:47
Tahwid u iktar bini meta ghadna >60,000 post battal, meta korsa tal-golf fl-inhawi ma thallitx, imisshom jisthu
Godwin Cassar
Nov 14th 2012, 14:16
A renewal of permit is in effect a new permission. So if the original permit was ' vitiated' (being in conflict with the local plan) how come it is renewed? The logic is baffling !
R. Balzan
Nov 14th 2012, 13:23
With the election on the doorstep, we should expect such irregular and mysterious decisions to be the order of the day at MEPA. We've all been through this before, unfortunately.
Glenn Curmi
Nov 14th 2012, 13:18
SHAME on MEPA!!!!
Rose Camilleri
Nov 14th 2012, 19:04
This site has always been one in respect of which no development was permissible and wherein development is forbidden. why didn't MEPA put its foot down to protect the little that is left from our untouched environment, and above all an area which is a conservation area?
Silvio Abela
Nov 14th 2012, 13:10
We can say goodbye to the beautiful are on the fringes of Rabat. After this, there is no stopping other "land dinosaurs" from building alongside. Viva l-flus li bihom mhux triq fil-bahar biss taghmel imma anke fuq l-art. Now the Architect and owner can be congratulated as those who ruined an otherwise pristine site. Thank you MEPA and whoever does the rules. Thank you so much.
Please choose the reason of your report below: