The Environment and Planning Commission yesterday also approved an application for a reservoir and pump room on an ecologically-sensitive area in Tas-Salib, Rabat, on the sides of Wied il-Qlejgħa.

While no concerns were raised over the proposed reservoir, the EPD noted that the pump room was of significant concern since, together with similar structures, it could contribute to a significant take up of undeveloped rural land and result in adverse impact on the rural character.

The directorate stressed the sensitivity of the site, noting it was scheduled for its scenic and ecological importance.

Moreover, both the National Heritage Advisory Committee and the Agricultural Advisory Committee objected to the proposed pump room, which covers an area of four square metres and a height of two metres, as it ran contrary to Mepa’s rural policy and design guidance.

The committees objected as the site in question measured less than one tumolo of land, which is required by the policy for a pump chamber adjacent to a reservoir.

The case officer’s report, however, noted that the applicant also owned an adjacent land parcel, bringing the total area of the site to within the threshold established by the policy.