PA sanctions destruction of karstland in Mistra

The Planning Authority has regularised the illegal construction of walls and deposition of soil on karstland around a legally constructed dwelling off Xemxija hill located on a proposed Area of Ecological Importance.

The PA’s case officer called on MEPA to refuse the application, insisting that the deposition of soil on karstland had resulted in the loss of natural habitat and the construction of new walls had altered the original topography of the 4,000 square metre site. An enforcement order against these illegalities had been issued in 2009.

The Environment Protection Directorate had insisted on the restoration of the natural habitat obliterated by the unauthorised works. The application was presented by architect owner Victor Pace, who was represented by architect Robert Musumeci.

The case officer also objected to additional poolrooms in a buffer zone to an Area of Ecological Importance in Mistra Road in St Paul’s Bay. A previous attempt in 2008  to regularise the illegal works had been rejected by MEPA.

The case officer objected to the new rooms because the dwelling already exceeded the permitted floor area allowed by present policies, which limit the built up area to 200 square metres.

The Environment Protection Directorate and the Natural History Advisory Committee also objected, stating that the new walls have changed the site’s topography.

The case officer report claims that unauthorised interventions on the site included the demolition of rubble walls, the construction of new walls and the deposition of soil on karstland.

The Ramblers Association also objected to the application, describing the development “as a sore thumb as one views it on driving down the hill from Mellieha.”

But the Environment Planning Commission justified its approval claiming that a comparison between present and 1967 aerial photographs proved that no rubble walls had been demolished as claimed by the planning directorate and that fresh plans reduced the ancillary facilities proposed. It also argued that the deposition of soil might be permitted according to the new rural policy.