Kerbside petrol pump to be relocated to San Gwann centre strip

A large traffic island consisting of a playing field and a car park in San Gwann in Triq Birkirkara, opposite the Malta Independent newspaper, is set to host a petrol station relocated from the opposite kerbside.

Moreover a condition in a preliminary permit issued in 2010, stating that a new roundabout should be constructed before the new petrol station starts operating, has been removed following consultation with Transport Malta last year.

The condition was previously imposed by MEPA on the basis of advice by Transport Malta.

The relocation itself is meant to address safety concerns associated with kerbside pumps, which lack adequate storage facilities. A final decision on the project is expected tomorrow.

The petrol station will be relocated to an area between the road leading to San Gwann and that going towards Sliema.

A preliminary outline permit for a petrol station on the same site was issued in 2010 on condition that a roundabout is first developed to ensure that “the surrounding road network functions properly”.

The permit clearly stated “the roundabout must be in place and functioning before the operation of the petrol station commences”.

This condition has now been removed following consultation with Transport Malta last July.

A children’s playing field awkwardly located in the middle of a busy traffic area was originally financed through MEPA’s own Urban Improvement Fund. The playing field has been left in disrepair for the past few years.  

The actual petrol pump will be built over the area presently used as a car park but its development will inevitably result in the loss of the playing field due to its proximity to the new petrol station.

The proposal includes car-washing facilities for two cars, four fuel pumps and a service station. Eight cars will be serviced and will be able to fill up simultaneously.

In an objection presented to MEPA in September Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar had described the transfer of public property to a private enterprise as “an absolute violation of the rule of law”.

“The land does not belong to the developer and therefore it is being granted in violation of fair and equal competition against other law abiding business.”

FAA called for an upgrading of this public space instead of its eradication.

MEPA has replied to this objection, insisting that the “lease agreement between the state and the applicant is not a planning consideration.”

MEPA described the area as “more of a car park” than a playing field and claimed that “its loss is minor” compared to the environmental advantages of relocating the kerbside pump, which is located opposite the new site.

A letter has also been submitted by one of the owners of the existing petrol pump, claiming that the applicant is not the owner of the pump. The owner of the premises is contesting the permit. The legal letter sent to MEPA objecting to the permit states that the relocation of the petrol pump has not been endorsed by the landowner. 

The outline permit specifically ruled out “the retail sale of goods” on the same site. This condition is now being removed.  

Moreover despite the restriction of any building to one storey, the case officer report states that a 6.8 metre high canopy-over is acceptable.

Finally while the outline permit specified that the decommissioning plan for the existing petrol station must be submitted before the full permit is issued, according to the Planning Directorate this plan can be submitted at a later stage.