MRU flags massive illegal development near Siġġiewi quarry

According to the enforcement notice, the illegalities include the storage of derelict commercial vehicles, scrap, wood and construction materials, as well as the construction of animal enclosures and other structures.

Other illegal works include the demolition and construction of rubble and boundary walls, the installation of metal gates, extensive excavation and the construction of an underground garage, as well as passages and a ramp leading to the garage.

The notice also refers to concrete laid on the passages, the installation of photovoltaic panels and the construction of a swimming pool.

The group criticised the extent of the alleged development and questioned how such works could have been carried out without a permit application. It described the situation as indicative of a wider sense of impunity.

The NGO said it was initially informed by the PA that the matter would be investigated. In early May, after requesting an update, it was told that its correspondence had been forwarded to the relevant enforcement officer.

On May 12, the group said it was informed that a breach had been confirmed and that the case had proceeded to the enforcement stage. It was also told that further updates would be provided.

But in August, almost three months later, the group requested the enforcement case number after it could not find one on the PA’s server.

It said the authority later informed it that investigations were still ongoing and that the issuing of an enforcement notice was also in process.

The MRU questioned why the process had taken more than four months, arguing that enforcement notices are normally issued more quickly. On September 4, five months after the original report, it said it received confirmation that an enforcement notice had been issued.

The group said the case currently contains no indication of daily fines owed by Anthony Schembri.