The organisers of the new trade fairs at Naxxar do not need a planning permit for their venture since the site was operational as a fair ground long before the Malta Environment and Planning Authority was born.

Although trade fair operations at Naxxar ceased for two years, the operators have "a right to re-use the premises in accordance with their original use" a Mepa spokesman said when asked whether the use of the site was in line with its policies.

The Naxxar trade fair site started operations well before 1992, when Mepa was established, he said.

Trade fairs have been organised there since 1955 when the Malta Trade Fair Corporation was founded to organise an annual fair showcasing various products and services.

The announcement earlier this week that a newly-formed company will use the Naxxar grounds to organise various events including trade fairs, raised some eyebrows among residents.

The local council criticised the move, insisting it was never consulted on the new plans after the locality was relieved from the inconvenience two years ago when the annual international trade fair moved to Ta' Qali.

A group of businessmen representing the Trade Fair Exhibitors Association have formed a new company and entered into a five-year agreement with Scicluna Estates, the owners of the Naxxar grounds, to start organising various fairs there on a yearly basis.

The last time the popular trade fair was held at Naxxar was in 2007 and since then the place has been used twice as an election counting hall.

ksansone@timesofmalta.com