Upgrading works on Ghadira kiosk ‘approved according to 2011 MEPA regulations’

Application for upgrading of Ghadira kiosk submitted in February 2013

An application for the upgrading of an Għadira kiosk, as well as another six similar applications in Għadira Bay were submitted in February 2013 and form part of a holistic plan spearheaded by the Malta Tourism Authority to upgrade and embellish this highly popular tourist area, MEPA said today.

In a statement, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority said that it

permitted upgrading works on the kiosk in Ghadira Bay in Mellieha, in accordance with a method statement which was assessed and endorsed by the Environment Protection Directorate.

“This method statement was requested by the MEPA in view that the site lies within a Natura 2000 area and is a designated SAC site,” it said.

“The holistic plan according to the 2011 regulations for facilities such as the Ghadira kiosks, will adopt a uniform design and ensure the proper collection and disposal of waste according to sanitary regulations.”

MEPA said that the agreement signed between the operators of the kiosks and Government for the upgrading of these kiosk dated back to 2012. The Development Notification Orders were approved in May 2014 after proper assessment was carried out by the Environment Protection Department.

The permit for the upgrading of all the seven kiosks has been granted under the provisions of LN 115 of 2007 and subsequent amendments LN 317 of 2011 (Class 16.1 iii beach management facilities).

“Although not requiring a full development planning permit, the processing of these applications was rigorous to ensure that all environmental and planning considerations were addressed.”

MEPA said it would continue to monitor and ensure that the upgrading works on all these kiosks is carried out according to the approved permits.