Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1532664
3 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 FEBRUARY 2025 NEWS sidered given the typology and disposition of the original structures, which are rem- iniscent of typical rural farmhouses," the case officer concluded. Moreover, aerial photos suggest that the structures were still roofed in 1978. The Planning Commission issued the permit despite strong objections from ERA, which warned that approval would lead to overdevelopment and the intensi- fication of physical development. Accord- ing to ERA, the redeveloped building and ancillary facilities "do not respect the size, proportions, and character of the original building and will significantly increase the overall built-up area." Moreover, ERA in- sisted that the existing ruins should not justify a new dwelling on ODZ land. "Urban-type development should be restricted to areas already designated for such use to avoid the further unnecessary proliferation of urban development in the countryside, particularly in this area," a memo issued by ERA in 2019 stated. Rural policy keeps giving The PA is still reviewing feedback on the new Rural Policy issued in 2020, which closed most of the loopholes permitting the transformation of ruins into villas. The policy, enacted in 2014 to regulate rural development, included loopholes that allowed countryside ruins to be turned into villas with pools. Applicants only had to prove that the existing build- ing or remains were habitable at some point. The proposed policy change was first an- nounced in 2017 by former minister José Herrera, who expressed "alarm" at a Mal- taToday investigation revealing that the PA had ignored ERA in 69% of approved applications outside development zones. In response to questions by MaltaToday last year, a spokesperson confirmed that the authority is still "assessing the submis- sions received during the second stage of public consultation," confirming that the reform is still in the pipeline. The policy does not automatically allow the conversion of dwellings instead of ru- ins into hotels. In fact, in 2021, the Plan- ning Commission ruled that the change of use of two dwellings in Wied Għomor into a hotel was in breach of the policy, which permits such changes only if they result in 'wider environmental benefits' to the area. after PA approves villa in place of ruins REINFORCING HEALTH IN EUROPE NextGenerationEU makes us stronger. Together, we are making our healthcare systems more resilient. With NextGenerationEU, we are ensuring beter access to prevention and treatments. Find out more: The ruins in Zokrija (top) where the guest house is being proposed, and (above) a photomontage of the dwelling approved in 2023