An outline development application to relocate a petrol station in Birkirkara Road, St Julians is likely to be given the green light by the Development Control Commission today.

The application was submitted by Emmanuel Falzon on behalf of Joem Service Station, situated on the side of the road in question. The applicant wants to relocate the facility to a parking area opposite, between the road leading to San Ġwann and that going towards Sliema.

EU rules oblige petrol stations to upgrade their facilities to improve the health and safety of their outlets but this cannot be done at the presently licensed site.

The case officer originally ­recommended refusal of the permit application but, following changes to the original plans submitted in 2001, he is now recommending approval.

Commenting on the application, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority’s Transport Planning Unit said the North Harbours Local Plan supported the upgrading of the junction where the site was located.

Mepa said the use of the land as a petrol station was considered acceptable in principle because the proposal entailed the relocation of a kerb-side petrol station to a better place.

During discussions with the DCC, the possibility of a roundabout instead of the present traffic lights system was mentioned but no decision was taken pending relevant studies. It was recommended that the service station, if granted permission to relocate, would not be allowed to operate before the roundabout is constructed and fully functional.