An application for the building of a petrol station in an Outside Development Zone near Mgarr drew opposition today from the lobby group Moviment Graffitti.
It noted that the new petrol station was meant to replace the one in the heart of the village. Yet that petrol station was last year granted a permit "to replace existing fuel tanks with double skinned fuel tanks", which indicated that there might now be any intention for the service station in Mgarr Square to be closed down.
Furthermore, the proposal for the ODZ petrol station also incorporated showroom, and a mechanic's garage.
"This will inevitably result in the ruin of fertile and arable land as well as producing noise and light pollution."
Moviment Graffitti said Mgarr could continue to be served by the existing petrol station, especially since it is being refurbished. Furthermore, there was a modern petrol station, also in an ODZ, in Buqana Road l/o Rabat, on the same route to Mgarr.