Draft policy guidelines issued for public consultation this morning propose that new fuel stations will be located outside village cores and away from residential areas, but existing stations will not be forced out.

Frans Mallia, Assistant Director of Planning at Mepa, said the policy  proposes that fuel stations should preferably be located in designated industrial areas, SME sites, areas of containment, open storage areas, or other areas earmarked for development which are not designated as residential.

There are some 70 fuel stations in Malta, of which 22 are in the village cores.

The policy will not force the relocation of fuel stations currently in village cores but will serve as a guideline for relocation.

Mr Mallia said that is no limit on the number of fuel stations allowed on the island.

Addition conditions state that fuel stations will not be allowed within 300 metres of boreholes or closer than 500 metres from the nearest fuel station.

The consultation period closes on June 6.

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