New fuel stations or those seeking to move to another site will not be allowed to operate in residential areas, according to a planning authority policy document issued for public consultation.

About 70 fuel stations exist around the island, 22 of which are located in urban conservation areas. The policy document provides guidance for the handling of applications filed by new fuel stations and by those wishing to move from “less desirable areas”, such as village centres or where there is a traffic safety issue.

Under the proposed policy, fuel stations in these areas will not be forced to relocate to an alternative site. However, the document says they should preferably be located in areas such as designated industrial zones, open storage sites, SME sites, and sites already occupied by fuel stations.

They should not be relocated close to residential or residential priority areas. Land outside areas designated for development and which is committed for non-agricultural uses or even disused quarries, may be considered for relocated stations.

Other sites may be considered as well if the fuel station is deemed to be of benefit to the community, but environmentally sensitive areas have to be avoided.

Stations must neither be permitted within 300 metres of boreholes nor closer than 500 metres from another station. The details were announced yesterday in a news conference.

The document was published less than a month after the controversial decision through which the Malta Environment and Planning Authority granted a temporary permit for an illegally built fuel station in Qormi.

Asked whether this decision had dented the authority’s credibility to regulate this sector, CEO Johan Buttigieg said the illegality had to do with an extension to the station, as the station itself was legal.

Assistant director of planning Frans Mallia pointed out that contrary to the general impression, there was no limit on the number of fuel stations, once the market was liberalised.

He said the aim was to relocate the fuel stations at a reasonable distance from sensitive areas. In addition there would be strict provisions for the change of use of fuel stations located outside development zones.

The policy also introduces design and planning standards to provide better traffic management in the area surrounding the --fuel station.

The public consultation period closes on June 6.