Resident and registered objector Stephen Saliba has lost the right to appeal against the decision allowing a mega block to be constructed in Żbibu Lane, San Ġwann, because he was not informed by the planning authority of the permit.
The developer, San Ġwann Ltd, has now submitted a commencement notice to construct a seven-storey residential complex (two basements, four floors and a penthouse level) comprising 54 flats, seven penthouses and 77 garages.
Mr Saliba and Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar said that building the mega block will mean demolishing a 200-year-old farmhouse on site and two 200-year-old rubble walls while smothering archaeological findings of rectangular holes cut into the bedrock.
A nearby World War II shelter will also be impacted, Mr Saliba explained, as the development will mean blocking one of the entrances.
Mr Saliba said he reminded Mepa last week that should the authority issue the relevant permits for the site, he was to be informed accordingly.
Mepa replied saying that a “non-executable permit” was issued to the developer on January 30 and that Mr Saliba was informed accordingly so that he could avail himself of his right to appeal in the next 30 days.
This notification was also carried in the local press on February 8, Mepa said.
“I did not receive any letter informing me of the permit,” Mr Saliba told a news conference yesterday.
“When I asked Mepa for the copy of the letter they claimed they sent me, they sent me a letter which looked as if it was drafted on the spot.
Unlike past letters, it did not bear Mepa’s official letterhead and the document date was erased.
I can’t understand how citizens are being crushed by developers and by organisations that are supposed to be impartial
The San Ġwann council, which also asked to be notified, also did not receive any letter from Mepa. Mr Saliba questioned whether he was required to religiously sift through each Government Gazette and newspaper in order to spot the relevant permit.
Mepa’s case officer argued that the 200-year-old farmhouse was “dilapidated”.
Mr Saliba snapped pictures to demonstrate the building was far from dilapidated and in a surprisingly good condition.
Additionally, Mr Saliba continued, the case officer insisted there was no World War II shelter. Mr Saliba made his way to the shelter and snapped pictures of the letters ‘AD 1940’ cut into the wall. He also snapped photos of the nearby cart ruts, therefore demonstrating the site’s rich history.
The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage also provided Mr Saliba with a file documenting the archaeological findings of the site in 2012, after the topsoil of the field was cleared.
Since the 30-day period has long elapsed, Mr Saliba has now lost his right to appeal Mepa’s decision.
“I can’t understand how citizens are being crushed not only by the developers, but also by organisations that are supposed to be impartial and should be defending the citizens’ rights,” he said.