The St Julian's mayor had reacted with consternation after a large structure to accommodate tables and chairs started being set up outside an establishment in Paceville avenue on Tuesday. 

The structure appears to be taking up two more parking spaces in an area where parking comes at a premium. 

"What is going on is a disgrace, especially after the case at St George's Road," Guido Dalli told Times of Malta.

In that case, last February, a platform for tables and chairs was removed amid controversy over whether or not it had a permit. 

"It's true that there are many other outlets in Paceville Avenue that have tables and chairs outdoors, but this one is a monstrosity, an eyesore," Mr Dalli said. 

Mr Dalli said the owner of the Paceville Avenue establishment appeared to have a Planning Authority permit, but the local council never gave its approval even though local councils were supposed to have been consulted since April 1.

He could not understand how such a permit could ever have been issued. 

MP and former mayor Karl Gouder was among those expressing his disapproval.MP and former mayor Karl Gouder was among those expressing his disapproval.

Tuesday's development came a day after the Administrative Review Tribunal upheld a decision by the Board of Governors of the Lands Authority to refuse a permit for a hotel at Gżira to set up tables and chairs outside its premises, despite the fact that many similar permits had already been granted along the same road.

The Lands Authority refused the permit because of the loss of two parking spaces and because of safety concerns.

“What was allowed and permissible in years gone by is not necessarily valid and acceptable today, the tribunal said. 

 

 

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