Grotta disco ‘sanctioning’ application turned down

An attempt to sanction some of the illegalities of the Grotta Disco in Xlendi has failed as the Planning Authority insisted that the application did not address all the illegalities found on the site of the popular disco.

Moreover, while the developers had resorted to the fast-track development notification (DNO) procedure to sanction “internal alterations”, MEPA insisted that the law regulating DNOs does not apply to extensions to non-residential buildings located in “scheduled” areas. The law stipulates that such extensions require a full planning application.

DNO permits are usually issued for minor developments in residential areas or for temporary structures.

The Grotta disco, which is subject to two pending enforcement orders dating back to 1999 and 1997, is located in a scheduled as an Area of High Landscape Value.

Moreover, according to MEPA the drawings as submitted do not seek to sanction all the illegalities of the complex in question.

An enforcement order issued in 1997 refers to “additions and alterations” made without a permit. The enforcement order issued in 1999 refers to various illegal structures including stores, bars, a pizzeria, terraces, steps and rooms found between the entrance and the protected valley along the entire length of the complex.

Part of the present complex is covered by a permit issued in 1986. In 1994 MEPA approved an application to replace a deteriorated wooden gazebo on top of the existing dance floor with a bigger gazebo, over a larger dance floor and create another covered dance floor to cater for winter and summer seasons.  No further permits were issued by the Planning Authority.

According to the existing regulations, MEPA cannot sanction any illegal development in scheduled areas.