The Environment and Resources Authority’s plea for the suspension of PA/08279/18, pertaining to a development of a villa in Sqaq Anton Mallia in Żebbuġ, Gozo, has been upheld by the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal (EPRT).
The ERA said in a statement that this means that the developer cannot proceed with works until a decision by the EPRT is taken and the decision on this development permit will need to be given within three months from today.
In its appeal, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) reiterated that the proposed development “will completely eradicate the cliff edge and formalize a site that is currently in a pristine site, while creating a private belvedere.
“The site in which the proposed development is located is sensitive and the development is not in line with the objectives of the Strategic Plan for Environment and Development (SPED). Three quarters of the site in question is in a zone outside development.”
Before the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal, ERA is reiterating that without any explanation, the Planning Commission ignored what was brought before it by ERA’s Case Officer, as well as the advice of external consultants and objectors.
Additionally, ERA expressed its concern in view of the way in which permission was approved despite the fact that the applicant did not provide the information that was requested by the ERA, the Design Advisory Committee of the Planning Authority and the Planning Directorate.
