A developer who insists he has the “right” to a permit for a winery in Bidnija is holding planning authority board members personally responsible for loss of EU funds, a move objectors deem to be an attempt at intimidation.

The proposed winery lies in an ODZ area and is linked to the controversial allocation of €150,000 in EU agricultural funds four days before the 2013 election, The Sunday Times of Malta reported in July.

Those eligible for the funds had to have all necessary permits but Stephen Galea’s application had been accepted only on the basis of an outline permit. In the week following the newspaper’s report, the grant was cancelled.

In an appeal against the Mepa board’s decision, the developer argued that the outline permit gave him “a vested right” for a full development permit.

The appeal hearing was due to take place today, but it was postponed.

Read more on Times of Malta.

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