Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1525069
12 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 9 AUGUST 2024 NEWS Gozo covers 67 square kilometres (26 sq mi), approximately the same area as New York City's Manhattan. It lies approximately 6 kilometres (4 mi) northwest of Malta, is of oval form, and is 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) long and 7.25 kilometres (4.50 mi) wide. Gozo is known to be very hilly. Research shows that there are at least 31 hills and hillocks on the small island. The best known - "the three hills" - are the Xaghra hill, the Nadur hill, and Zebbug. Other smaller hills and hillocks include Il- Gelmus, Ta' Gurdan, and ta' Dabrani. Did you know? JSL Properties is a property development company focusing on delivering high-quality property projects in Gozo, ensuring exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. We are committed to providing affordable and stylish living solutions that cater to diverse needs and preferences. +356 99486960 Mgarr ix-Xini CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The two massive pools one of 414 sq.m and another of 267 sq.m are presently subject to a planning en- forcement issued by the Planning Authority after the law courts had overturned a previous permit for the construction of the pools in March. The application filed by architect Alex Bigeni also foresees the sanc- tioning of a fish pond and extensive landscaping around the pools. The swimming pools form part of a 164-apartment block at the edge of the development zone approved through three different applications presented in 2019. The massive pools entirely locat- ed on nearly 700 sq.m of ODZ land were approved through another ap- plication filed in 2021 and approved during the 2022 electoral campaign. This application also envisaged the sanctioning of the excavations be- yond previously approved levels. The permit was granted against the recommendation of the case of- ficer, and the decision was also later confirmed by the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal. But in March permit was annulled by the court earlier this year fol- lowing a successful appeal by Mov- iment Graffitti and the Qala local council. In his decision chief justice Mark Chetcuti concluded that the swimming pools were approved in breach of existing policies. While the permit was granted on the strength of a generic policy that permits swimming pools in the ODZ areas, the law courts concluded that their approval was in violation of spe- cific policies applicable to the site. By applying to sanction the illegal pools, the developers can delay en- forcement action which normally has to wait for the outcome of the application. Enforcement could al- so be further delayed by appeals if the PA refuses the application. In June, Moviment Graffitti con- ducted a direct action at the site of the two illegal pools, claiming the government had systematically failed to curb Portelli's bullying tactics and had failed to reform the deeply flawed planning appeals system. It accused the government of effec- tively enforcing impunity for devel- opers by allowing them to construct structures that are illegal or poten- tially illegal, and then failing to take meaningful action against these vio- lations. "In the case of Qala, the Planning Authority has not even restricted ac- cess to the pools, which remain fully operational despite their clear illegal- ity," Moviment Graffitti said. "In May last year, and again a few weeks ago, Prime Minister Robert Abela promised a reform of the ap- peals law but, to date, there is no sign of such a reform, while developers continue to act with impunity to the extent of flagrantly disregarding a Court ruling." It reiterated its demand that Joseph Portelli's illegal pools in Qala be im- mediately demolished and that the appeals law be reformed without fur- ther delay. Moviment Graffitti said it is pre- pared to take further direct action if the people's call for basic decency in planning continues to fall on deaf ears. Planning system 'sinking to new lows of indecency' - Moviment Graffitti on Qala ODZ pools