The Planning Authority Board today turned down an application which includes the re-location of a kerb-side pump (which was on Marina Street, Pieta) and the change of use of part of existing plant yard into a fuel filling station at Tal-Blata L-Gholja, Mosta.
The application would have included the demolition of existing rooms and their re-location, landscaping of site, cleaning, upgrading of existing yard and to sanction.
Moviment Graffiti were registered objectors in this Mosta station application, and argued that the proposed development was already refused by MEPA in 2005, and that an appeal was also refused. They argue that the zone is of high landscape value, and that the development would have a negative impact on the environment. They also said that a considerable number of pumps operate in the surrounding area.
The Planning Directorate, through the case officer, said that "the proposed site for a fuel station cannot be considered in view that it is not located on an arterial or distributor road. Moreover, the site of the proposed fuel station exceeds the 3,000 square metre footprint required by policy. The proposal also lacks the necessary details and studies required for a holistic assessment."
The proposed works include filling points; service station (shop); offices; storage space; and garages. The rest of the site (towards the rear) is to retain its use as a plant yard, which could only be accessed through the proposed fuel station.
"The site in question is located outside the development zone and within the Mosta Local Council boundary. Existing development on site consists of a number of structures and a yard used as an open storage. The structures within the site are in excess of the footprint indicated in the existing permit," the case officer's report read.
The case officer recommended that this application be refused, stating that it did not abide by the fuel stations policy.
PA Executive Chairman Johann Buttigieg, during the debate today, highlighted that the petrol station meant to be relocated is no longer in existence, and thus cannot be considered a relocation according to policy. He said that for a station to be relocated it must be active today.
The PA Board upheld the case' officer's refusal recommendation and the application fell through.
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