"Last week's decision by the Planning Authority to approve the application to determine the extent and intensity of development on the periphery of Marsaxlokk, just a few minutes after it had turned down a similar application in respect of land at Mosta rings the alarm bells as no one has any idea as to the criteria on the basis of which these decisions are taken."
This was stated by Carmel Cacopardo Deputy Chairperson of Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party in Malta when commenting on the decision taken last week by the Executive Committee of the Planning Authority relative to application PC 057/07 to determine the permissible development on a 17,530 square metre stretch of land at Tal-Marnisi alongside Triq il-Baħħara Marsaxlokk.
The Planning Authority's decision is not final. Notwithstanding that there is no appeal from the decision this must now be approved by Parliamentary Secretary Deborah Schembri in order to be effective.
Alternativa Demokratika is aware that this is the result of the incorrect decision taken by Parliament way back in 2006 as a result of which around two million square metres of and on the periphery of our towns and villages were given up for development.
"It is essential", added Carmel Cacopardo, "that before Parliamentary Secretary Deborah Schembri takes the definite decision which will permanently ruin these 17530 square metres of agricultural land she ensures that the social, economic and the environmental impacts of this proposed massive development is adequately considered."
"It is imperative that we remember that the 2011 census had identified that out of 1129 residential units in Marsaxlokk, 75.3% were occupied, 18.7% were vacant and 5.9% only occasionally in use. On its own this is more than sufficient reason to discourage this type of development," added Carmel Cacopardo.
Alternattiva Demokratika invites both Government and the Labour Party to explain why, notwithstanding the Labour Party having voted against this type of development way back in 2006 in Parliament we are still being faced with these decisions. There is still time for Government to save face if the Planning Authority recommendation is not approved by Parliamentary Secretary Deborah Schembri.
"It is time," concluded Carmel Cacopardo " that this stupid decision tahen by Parliament way back in 2006 is revised. Alternattiva Demokratika is proud that during the past 11 years it has consistently highlighted the matter and takes this opportunity to invite both Government and Opposition to realise that they should join it to address the 2006 decision by Parliament.
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2nCPy2U
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