Environment NGOs warned today that the granting of permits by MEPA for developments like that at Bahrija risked the creation of a two tier society, where some people got the go-ahead for major developments in sensitive areas while others in the same areas were even refused a permit to replace a window with a door.
Representatives of the Ramblers' Association, Flimkien Ghall-Ambjent Ahjar and Nature Trust said the NGOs were taking the Bahrija controversy were seriously because the development would take place in an Outside Development Zone, in a Natura 2000 site that was meant to enjoy the highest level of protection.
"Regrettably, this Bahrija permit is not an isolated case but one of many Outside Development Zone (ODZ) permits that continue to flow out of MEPA in spite of all the premises that development in the countryside would be stopped," said Astrid Vella, FAA coordinator.
"One loses count of all the valleys that are currently threatened by development, or have suffered partial or total destruction. These include the Nadur Cemetery site, Wied Ghajn Zejtuna in Mellieha, Wied il-Ghasel in Mosta, Wied Incita, Attard, Wied Garnaw, Sta Lucija and an open space at Marsascala public garden.
Ramblers Association secretary Alex Vella pointed out that four applications for the Bahrija development - which belongs to PN president Victor Scerri - had been consistently turned down by the MEPA Planning Directorate but had been approved by the Development Control Board.
He said that in one of its reports, the directorate listed 17 Structure Plan directives and 18 local plan requirements that were being breached by this development.
He also pointed out that in the development permit applications submitted - between 2000 and 2006, the footprint of the development was extended from 95 to 137 square metres. The directorate noted that no justification for this had been given.
The NGOs will tomorrow hold a protest walk to the Bahrija site at 6.30 p.m., starting near Bahrija playground.
Friends of the Earth Malta in a statement said it was backing the other NGOs and was calling for participation in the protest walk.
"The approved development not only goes against government notices, legal notices, plans and policies but shockingly enough the (MEPA) board ignores recommendations by MEPA’s officials," FoE said.