The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) welcomes the decisions taken on the 21st of November by the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal (EPRT) to revoke PA 08279/18 for the development of a villa in Sqaq Anton Mallia in Żebbuġ, Gozo, and PA 06443/17 for the development of a dilapidated building situated in an ecologically sensitive valley in Wied Għomor.
- PA 08279/18 was granted on the 26th of June 2019 to develop a class 1A villa on a cliff edge which is currently in pristine condition. The development would therefore have completely eradicated the cliff edge and formalised the site which is located in a sensitive area.
The appeal was upheld on the basis that the impact on the environment caused by this development would have been extensive. The tribunal also determined that the removal of an existing blank party wall provides no gain when compared to the damage which will be sustained by the natural stone foundations and garigue which are of high conservation value.
- PA 06443/17 was granted on the 12th of June 2019 to make alterations to the existing farmhouse and make extensions at ground floor and first floor level. The permit had granted permission to excavate a basement, pool, deck area and landscaping and would have allowed for the reinstatement of a footpath connecting Triq Josef Kalleya to the farmhouse and the reinstatement of a country road.
This development would not have respected the context of the valley in which it is located, which serves as a buffer zone in a densely populated area and serves as a green lung. A precedent would also have been created for further development.
The appeal was upheld on the basis that the proposed development was too extensive for the site and thus not respecting the rural characteristics of the existing building and would lead to a negative impact on the rural zone of Wied Għomor. The Tribunal held that the permit was issued in breach of criteria number three of policy 6.2A of the Rural Policy and Design Guidance.
