Residents argue against proposed dairy farm in Maghtab

A proposed dairy farm in Maghtab has seen several residents object to the proposed development, fearing the effect this farm will have on neighbouring residents.

This is a full development application requests the renewal of a previously accepted development permit, which had approved the construction of a new dairy farm spread over an area of approximately 4 tumoli. The original application was subject to appeal, but the appeal was dropped once the permit expired and the renewal application began, residents told this newsroom.

Originally, Enemalta had objected to the application. The original case officer's report read: "an objection has been received from Enemalta stating that the site lies directly beneath the high voltage overhead lines and that no development is to be permitted within a 20m corridor on either side of the centre line of the high voltage overhead lines." For this reason, the renewal application was originally proposed to be refused by the case officer.

The head of the Maghtab Residents Association, John Portelli told this newsroom however, that during the last sitting the architect presented a letter to the Planning Authority stating that Enemalta removed its objection. He said that he has written to the Case Officer and the Board's secretary for a copy of this letter, however was not given it. He said that all he was spoken to about it verbally and was told it has something to do with precedent.

The Case officer has changed the recommendation based on the Enemalta's clearance.

Residents, through their objection letters to the application, primarily cited health concerns stating that the land is designated as agricultural land, not land for animal husbandry, and is located very close to their homes. They also objected due to deleterious impacts and nuisance it would create to the residents in the area. The case officer's report also read: "an objection letter received from the Maghtab Resident's Association representing 300+ residents of Maghtab, requesting the protection of the residents, noting that the expired permit is still under appeal, noting locality was not designated for animal husbandry when permit was granted."

 

from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2pX75p2
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