DLH Press Release

8th January 2011

 

DIN L-ART HELWA PRAISES MEPA’S DECISIONS TO REFUSE SANCTIONING OF ODZ DEVELOPMENTS

 

Din l-Art Helwa commends the Malta Environment and Planning Authority’s recent decisions to refuse to sanction various illegal developments and extensions outside the development zones, including extensions to a petrol station outside Qormi, and stables near Rabat.

 

As with the petrol station at Qormi, when permits are granted in ODZ areas, the initial permit frequently leads to pressure for extensions to the buildings and an increase in footprint over time.

 

This is one of various reasons why building permits must not be granted in ODZ areas if the new direction of ‘zero tolerance’ in ODZ areas is to be followed.

 

Recent NSO statistics show that between 1990 and 2005 alone, ODZ building permits almost doubled from 4.9 % to 9.5 % of the total land area.

 

Din l-Art Helwa also welcomes the new measure in the MEPA reform process, which will no longer allow new applications for sanctioning in ODZ areas to be submitted.