MEPA proposes new policy framework for fuel service stations

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) is issuing for public consultation a policy framework to provide a general guidance and establish planning parameters for new fuel service stations or existing ones that are seeking relocation.

The proposed policy differentiates between two main categories of fuel station-related applications. The first category relates to proposals for new fuel stations or upgrading of existing fuel stations.

The second category refers to fuel stations that are not ideally located by virtue of urban incompatibility, amenity, traffic safety and where therefore relocation is desirable.

While the proposed policy is not intended to forcibly relocate existing fuel service stations that are currently located in less desirable areas, the policy seeks to provide additional guidance on their relocation.

The policy addresses matters such as suitability of alternative sites, the proximity of the new site to the Development Zone and to the road network, proximity to other fuel stations and other planning and environmental considerations.

The policy is proposing that fuel stations should preferably be located in Designated Industrial Areas, SME sites, Areas of Containment, Open Storage Areas, sites already occupied by fuel stations or other areas earmarked for development that are not designated as Residential and Residential Priority Areas.

While the same location criteria would apply in the case of Relocated Fuel Stations, the policy also indicates that in such cases land outside areas designated for development committed for non-agricultural uses or disused quarries may also be considered.

For fuel station relocation purposes, in those cases where benefit to the community is deemed to be paramount, other sites may be considered but a list of environmentally sensitive areas, stipulated constraints as well as designated Residential Areas or Residential Priority Areas should be avoided in all cases for location purposes.

Additionally, fuel stations will not be permitted within 300m from boreholes should generally be located more than 500m from the nearest fuel station and be obliged to decommission the redundant fuel station prior to operating on a new site in the case of a Relocated Fuel Station.  

The policy also introduces a number of design and planning standards for safer vehicular access and circulation within the fuel station.  

Additional safeguards are included to respect the surrounding context, to discourage unnecessary future sprawl, to sensitively introduce infrastructure and to introduce safeguards that render the operation safer and more environmentally friendly.

To address the potential abuse from existing fuel stations located in ODZ making requests to partially or fully change the use of a fuel station to a non-fuel related use, the policy makes it clear that such requests will not be considered.

The Environment Protection Directorate, the Civil Protection Department, Transport Malta and the Malta Resources Authority are deemed to be mandatory consultees during the processing of any fuel station planning application.

Last September, the Authority had published the proposed objectives that were to guide the formulation of this proposed policy framework. The Authority is also publishing the submissions it had received from the public and other stakeholders, related to the proposed policy objectives and the Authority’s reaction to them.

The draft policy can be viewed on the Authority's website www.mepa.org.mt/public-consultation. Individuals and organizations are being invited to send their submissions pertaining to this draft policy in writing to: MEPA, Director of Planning, Fuel Stations Policy, P.O. Box 200, Marsa MRS 1000.

Submissions can also be made by email to [email protected]. Submissions should reach the Authority by 6 June 2014.