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MEPA proposes measures to curb abuse of horse riding facilities and stables
MEPA proposes measures such as a 2m gap between neighbouring stables and removal of basements beneath stables, to fight abuses of the lands.
2 February 2016, 4:04pm
Staff Reporter
Staff Reporter
2 min read
The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) has proposed that each individual stable is separated by a two metre gap from the neighbouring stable to tighten up the policy against any possible abuses in the conversion of horse stables and related facilities into alternative land uses.
MEPA is carrying out a review pertaining to the provision of the policy 5.2 governing horse stables and horse riding facilities or establishments, after the Rural Policy approved in 2014, made it easier to build stables in the countryside.
According to MEPA, the changes in policy seek to fight abuses of these lands and to further mitigate the adverse visual impact that these structures may create within their environment.
The proposals also stipulate that basements beneath horse stables and related facilities are to be removed from the policy, given that MEPA has determined that they by far exceed storage requirements, and therefore results in the possibility of inappropriate change of use from that intended.
MEPA is also proposing to eliminate the provision that facilitates the conversion of existing buildings that have architectural, historical or vernacular significance in rural areas into horse stables or horse riding facilities.
“Although the reuse of such prestigious buildings is fully supported, these should not be promoted to be reused for horse stables or horse riding use but rather, they should be reused for much more appreciative land uses such as visitor attractions and/or agro-tourism accommodation,” MEPA said, adding that in its experience the reuse of such assets for animal related land uses has been detrimental to their cultural value and has led to a deterioration of these sites.
MEPA said that individuals and organisations were invited to send their submissions on the proposed policy review in writing through e-mail: [email protected] by not later than Monday 14th March 2016. The full proposed review document can be viewed on the MEPA's website.
