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An application to “relocate” an existing gate which previously blocked public access to Munxar – a picturesque coastal area in the south of Malta, not to be confused with the Gozo town of the same name – is being contested by the Rambler’s Association and the Marsascala local council.
“How can anyone apply to relocate a gate which was never authorised in the first place?” an incredulous Lino Bugeja, president of the Rambler’s Association, told MaltaToday.
Rene Scicluna, who purchased the property, had put up the illegal stone wall blocking access to the site. But he later removed it after the Malta Environment and Planning Authority issued two enforcement orders._
Now, Scicluna has applied to relocate the contentious gate practically in the same place.
The Ramblers Association is up in arms against any bid to block access to Munxar, and threatens to organise public protests in places where rights of access are blocked.
The application to relocate the gate was presented to MEPA last week.
But landowner Rennie Scicluna promises that public access to the site will still be guaranteed.
“I simply want to construct a gate from which vehicles used in grain cultivation can pass.”
He insists that public access will be guaranteed through another gate for pedestrians. But the Ramblers’ Association argues that the passage to the countryside and coastal areas is a right and not a concession, adding that the structure plan clearly guarntees this access.
According to the Structure Plan Policy CZM3, public access around the coastline immediately adjacent to the sea or at the top of cliffs should be secured.
“This will include taking shore lands into public ownership, Government acquisition of illegal developments and encroachments, and suitable construction works.”
It also states that the coastline should be brought into public ownership within a specified period.
Marsascala mayor Mario Calleya is supporting the Ramblers’ Association.
“The developer should explain his intentions clearly. We will not be allowing anyone to block access to the site,” he said. |
