MEPA turns down Bidnija winery application

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority board has turned down a request for a permit for the construction of a winery located outside the development zone in Bidnija.

Despite being characterized by terraced agricultural land, an Appeals’ Board had back in 2011, granted the site an outline development permit. However, notwithstanding this permit, the MEPA board said the proposed winery did not conform to the existing policy.

Objectors to the permit argued that the existing structures close to the site of the proposed winery are predominantly residences, and said that if approved, the proposed winery generate heavy traffic.

Taking into account the objector's claims, the Board turned down the application.

Ten board members voted against the proposal, while two members voted in favour.