MEPA to pave way for boathouse boom. By James Debono
The Malta Environment and Planning Authority is currently working on a plan which would allow the development of beach rooms in St Thomas Bay in M’Scala: designated as a coastal recreation area in the local plan for the area approved in August 2006.
A similar action plan approved in 2002 for Armier had paved the way for the Prime Minister’s pre-electoral commitment not to remove any pre 1992 boathouses in the northern shantytown.
A MEPA spokesperson confirmed that a draft action plan is in preparation and the policy will designate the areas considered acceptable for the development of beach rooms.
There are currently 10 pending enforcement cases against illegal beach rooms in this area, but not all boathouses in San Tumas are illegal. A number of boathouses in the area existed before 1965 and can be seen on survey sheets at that time.
These boathouses are considered legal. In fact, permits were granted in the past for alterations to such structures. However there are also a number of other such structures built after that date, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s, and these have no permit. There is a court case with respect to a number of such structures.
Unlike the Armier illegal structures which are located on public land, most of the M’Scala boathouses are sited on private land. MEPA would not exclude that the action plan will lead to the sanctioning of existing illegal boathouses in St Thomas Bay.
When asked whether present illegal development will be sanctioned a MEPA spokesperson explained that the local plan policy recognises the use of certain areas in St Thomas Bay for beach rooms, “but these can only be considered acceptable once the action plan is approved.”
The local plan designates an area of 70,000 square meters for beach rooms.
It is estimated that there are approximately 140+ beach rooms in the area.
The plan also foresees the provision of additional facilities in the area, like car parks, a children’s play area and sites for camping and caravanning.
jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt
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