More industrial garages proposed on Ghaxaq ODZ site

An auto dealer is seeking to build eight additional garages covering for mechanics, panel beaters and sprayers in a valley-protected zone in Ghaxaq. 

A new 600m2 parking area is also being proposed on undeveloped land.

The proposed development is located at il-Maghqad off Hal-Tarxien Road, Ghaxaq and is being proposed by Ray Auto Dealer Limited.

The site falls Outside Development Zone (ODZ), within the valley protection zone, and within approximately 150 metres of a registered borehole.

The developer is seeking the sanctioning of two existing basement garages to be used for light industry purposes, the excavation and construction of two units at basement level each having an area of 116m2, the construction of four overlying units at ground floor level adjacent to the existing units having an approximate area of 146m2 and a 600m2 car park for 17 vehicles.

A mechanic, panel beater and sprayer are currently using the four existing units covering 1,000m2.

Two other units located at the basement have not been granted a permit. According to the developer the idea behind this proposal is primarily to encourage small business activities in an area which is located at a safe distance from the village, thus minimising the negative impact on human health.

MEPA’s Environment Protection Directorate has exempted the development from conducting an environment impact assessment but expressed concern on the further intensification of an industrial activity within ODZ.

According to a screening report the project may increase the risk of contamination of water through the potential release of polluted waters into the underlying aquifer.

But the report states that standard design-based and operational measures

should be sufficient to ensure that there are no risks of contamination of water from releases of pollutants. 

The original permit on the same site was issued to Raymond Zammit for the construction of a workshop for ornamental stone carving and molding. 

In 1999 Zammit applied to construct basement stores and workshops. The application was refused by MEPA and this decision was confirmed on appeal.

In 2007 Zammit applied for a change of use from stone carving workshop to mechanic and panel beater. This permit was approved two years later. But an application to construct 25 garages was turned down in the same year.