The Planning Authority has turned down an application for a new permanent kiosk selling food and drinks on public land outside development zones in Armier Bay.
Joseph Tanti, whose name is synonymous with kiosk operations, had applied to place a 17-sqm fixed kiosk, as well as a reserved area for tables and chairs, within an area currently used as a public car park, close to the Vendome Battery.
The project architect argued that the application was simply a relocation of another kiosk in the same area, for which approval had been granted in 2002. However, the PA case officer noted that the ‘existing’ kiosk had actually been removed at least four years ago, and therefore a new development permit would be required.
In his report, recommending refusal, the case officer said the proposal was of a commercial nature, which did not fall within one of the development categories which could be permitted outside development zones.
Although the project would not have direct environmental impacts, there was no justification to commit a new area of public land to the development.
The area was already replete with numerous catering establishments
Moreover, the area was already replete with numerous catering establishments, and the proposed external seating would unduly interfere with the public’s enjoyment of the promenade. Under the policy for kiosks, external tables and chairs are only permitted where no covered seating for drinks or snacks is available within 500 metres.
The proposed design of the kiosk was also considered unacceptable as the use of aluminium, extensive canopies and the total scale of the kiosk did not integrate with the natural surroundings of the coastal area.
The Environment Protection Directorate also specifically recommended against a permanent structure so as not to prejudice any future embellishment or upgrading of the site. A draft action plan for the site is currently being considered.
The Planning Commission voted unanimously against the proposal during a hearing yesterday morning, which was also attended by a number of objectors.
Armier Bay, a scenic area in the north of Malta, is known for its proliferation of illegal boathouses, while a number of lidos in the area have also recently been subject to enforcement notices. One enforcement was over the change of use of part of a public beach into a private lido, while another concerned the illegal development of a two-storey building.