Environment Commissioner disagrees with Mepa choice of Naxxar circus site
The siting of the circus in Naxxar is incompatible with the residential nature of the area, the Environment Commissioner within the Office of the Ombudsman has told Mepa after a complaint by residents.
"Mepa should withdraw its 'no objection' to the use of the site for the setting up of the Circus," the Ombudsman said.
In reply, Mepa said it disagreed that the proposed activity is incompatible with the residential zoning of the area.
"First of all, one should accept the fact that the holding of such an activity is actually considered to be permitted development without the need for notification. Notwithstanding, it is standard practice for potential operators to seek Mepa's views of the matter prior to organising such an activity. This is very much encouraged by Mepa, as it avoids uncomfortable situations further down the line. Therefore Mepa cannot withdraw its 'no objection' as this right is almost an automatic one.
Mepa explained that it had directed the applicant to a more suitable location, taking into account the zoning and characteristics of the area. The preferred site, it said, consists of open grounds which previously attracted thousands of people (the trade fair grounds).
"Unlike the originally chosen site in the midst of a residential neighbourhood, residential buildings are not immediately contiguous. One must acknowledge that in future, this site could potentially attract one again fairs/conferences of considerable magnitude. The recommended site boats similar characteristics to the one chosen on an annual basis at the Floriana granaries which is an open area with residents at the distance," Mepa said.
It added that its decision was also guided by the Naxxar local council's prior endorsement.
The Ombudsman wrote back to Mepa pointing out that the site it had allocated was still within an area which is zoned for residential use, and therefore the policies applicable to the first site also applied to this one.
He said the site preferred by Mepa was no longer one with commercial potential but a site which was not designated by the local plan drawn up by Mepa as one earmarked for residential development.
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13 Comments
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Albert Critien
Nov 16th 2012, 15:30
It seems that unless the Environment Commissioner can exercise enough muscle, thanks to our irresponsible Local council us residents will not only suffer in this occasion but also in others as this will be used as a precedent, unless, as requested by the Commissioner the no objection is withdrawn with immediate effect
Joe Grech
Nov 16th 2012, 14:18
Now we have the ''the Environment Commissioner within the Office of the Ombudsman'' (sic!) at loggerheads with MEPA!
How's that for good Planning, Serious Administration.....?
I personally never thought much of certain posts and entities.
Victor Laiviera
Nov 16th 2012, 13:57
I was very surprised and disappointed to read that "its decision was also guided by the Naxxar local council's prior endorsement."
I expected much better from my Local Council.
M Farrugia
Nov 16th 2012, 13:07
qbel mija ma-decizzoni li ttiemill-Ombdsman, imma dan d-deczjonijet gahm e jtiehd mll-ewwel b'urgenza jew inkella ma jittiehdu xejn. c-cirklu xrtabaq jopera ud-decizjoni alurama serviet ghal xejnghax mhux se jkun hemm rimedju. B'dan l-agir hazin tal-MEPA wara konsultazzjoni tal-Kunsll tn-Naxxar baghata l-pplu naxxri l-animali.
Dilindo W Agius
Nov 16th 2012, 12:46
The Authorities refused a permit for Fairs to be held at this site and even though there was a court ruling and appeal for these permits to be issued these permits never materialised. One also has to keep in consideration the fact that the Naxxar Local Council always objected to the re-opening of the Naxxar Fair Grounds.
It's obvious that somebody somewhere is trying to protect MFCC too much!
Joe A. Borg
Nov 16th 2012, 12:31
If there are hoofed animals, then it is the responsability of the Health Department and Veterinary Department to approve the permit.
The presence of so many animals inside a development Zone/Residential makes it illegal to site so many animals. These cannot be considered as pets.
Jay Oatmon
Nov 16th 2012, 11:13
My question is who has the ultimate responsibility and who is accountable for the Mepa decisions?
My guess is this will purposely remain unclear - to leave plenty of 'wriggle room' to duck responsibility for controversial/illegal decisions?
Peter Murray
Nov 16th 2012, 11:48
What is manifestly clear is that the Ombudsamn has no say in such matters nor absoloutely no powers of enforcement.
Mr Stanley Fenech
Nov 16th 2012, 11:54
Yes Peter, but fortunately enough we have someone who actually confirmed what we residents had been saying as of day one.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Nov 16th 2012, 12:05
The top MEPA guns are appointed by the prime minister. It is who has to carry political resposnbility for their absurd decisions. I would like MEPA to expalin how setting up a circus is a "compatible development" in a residential area.
P Micallef
Nov 16th 2012, 11:08
The Commissioner should have acted before the stable doors were closed and the horse had bolted. The circus is already set up near the fair grounds in Naxxar. I cannot see them dismantling everything and moving to another location once they have MEPA's permit.
M Farrugia
Nov 16th 2012, 13:10
Andrew Camillerii @ your politicak argemen holds no water. Let say your son for the sake of the arguement is a drug push are you reponsible for his conduct.?
Peter Murray
Nov 16th 2012, 10:55
this Ombudsman's input doesn't amount to a hill of beans does it?As neither him nor his office has any powers of enforcement attached to their "recommendations" and as such are not fit for purpose.Give them more powers or else get rid of them -as in their present format they neither serve ,nor supply, any strength of purpose
Please choose the reason of your report below: