Owners seek regularisation of Alpha Gardens

Plans have been submitted to sanction planning irregularities over an outside development zones’ (ODZ) site in Attard, which occupies the space of two football grounds.

Owner Anthony Abela applied to regularise illegalities on the huge 12,405 square metre Alpha Gardens wedding venue in Attard.

The planning application proposes the regularisation of pavements, low-level walls and other structures and a new 50 square metre olive production building.

The site presently includes 8,720 square metres of hard surfaced pavements and 5,501 metres of landscaped land. It also includes a water culvert and bridge. The site also includes three reservoirs constructed before 1978. The site has an entrance from Mdina Road, which is closed by a timber gate, and another from Triq Idwart.

An enforcement order was issued against this development in 2014 following questions sent by MaltaToday. The owners have appealed against this enforcement order.

The enforcement notice refers to the construction of “various rooms and structures, the paving and formation of passageways, landscaping works, creation of access and installation of gate without permit”.

John Abela Ltd, the company facing the enforcement proceedings, is the owner of Alfaran trailers. Alfa Gardens is no longer listed as one of the wedding venues used by the Catermax Group. The wedding hall was previously advertised on the company’s website as one offering  “opulent” open views of picturesque Mdina and its
surroundings.