An environment tribunal threw out an appeal to sanction illegal extensions to storage rooms next to the protected Delimara salt pans, which almost looked like residences.

Photos of the area “left no doubt” that the structures in question were an “urban development, with evident characteristics of a residence such as windows, tiles with designs, steps and stone cladding,” the Environment and Planning Tribunal said.

Two appeals to sanction had been filed by three brothers after a planning commission had refused to clear an illegal extension to an old room and cave and the construction of a water reservoir. 

The tribunal also noted that the buildings limited public access to the coastline and were located in a scheduled area of ecological value.

The brothers who own the rooms said the extensions were needed as they tried to “maintain an old working trade” that was becoming unprofitable because of cheaper, imported salt.

However, the planning authority had pointed out that, even though the owners spoke of a seasonal industry, they failed to justify the need for extra storage space.

More on the e-paper on timesofmalta.com Premium.

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