News • November 30 2003

Leaflets distributed to parishioners to put pressure on MEPA

Julian Manduca
The Gozo Cathedral Parochial Office is so frustrated with its attempts to obtain planning permits it has resorted to lobbying its parishioners to exert pressure on MEPA, MaltaToday has learned.
Leaflets have been printed and are being distributed in Gozo stating that the parish has bought the land, prepared its plans and now only needs its permits.
MaltaToday spoke to the Archpriest of the Diocese, Mgr. Dr Joseph Vella Gauci, who cannot understand why MEPA is proving to be so difficult with its applications.
The Office has applied for two different permits, and while one is recommended for refusal, the other has been listed as invalid.
The parish has plans for a new Cathedral complex including a museum, a library and car parking facilities for 120 cars in the vicinity of the Citadella in Rabat.
The application for the complex, excluding the parking area, found no objection from MEPA’s Heritage Advisory Committee which conducted a site visit, but is being recommended for refusal by the planning directorate.
Among the reasons for refusal are that the site is in an area of scenic and ecological value; that the proposed development in incompatible with the urban design and environmental characteristics of the area; that it would detract from the skyline and have an adverse impact on an important archaeological site; and that it contradicts planning policy which does not permit urban development outside existing and committed built up areas.
But the Monsignor does not agree and told MaltaToday that the proposed development was carefully planned by the Offices’ architects and complements the surrounding area. "The building we purchased is in a severe state of disrepair and what we are proposing, will only improve the aesthetics of the area. The parking area is essential for us as whenever we have an activity or Festa the area around the Cathedral becomes congested and chaotic," Mgr. Vella Gauci said.