Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545385
THE Planning Commission has approved a controversial ap- plication to convert an existing stable complex in Rabat into a horse-riding school with lec- ture room and ancillary sleeping quarters. The decision overturned an earlier recommendation for re- fusal by planning officers. The application, submitted by Stephen Ciangura, concerns a site at Tal-Landrijiet, outside the development zone (ODZ), where stables had already been approved through previous per- mits. In a unanimous 3-0 decision taken on 10 June, the commis- sion chaired by Martin Camilleri approved the proposal after a series of revisions that removed some of the most contentious elements from the original ap- plication. The scheme initially included an equine products shop and an ancillary catering facility. Plan- ning officers had recommended refusal, arguing that the propos- al introduced uses that were not contemplated by rural planning policies and risked intensify- ing urban-type activities in the countryside. The original Development Permission Application Report also raised concerns over a lec- ture room and accommodation facilities proposed as part of the development. Officers argued that these uses were not covered by the Rural Policy and Design Guidance and did not satisfy the policy criteria regulating chang- es of use in ODZ areas. Environmental concerns were also raised by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA). In its consultation response, ERA described the proposal as a "clear shift from rural to ur- ban-type uses" and objected to the development on environ- mental grounds. The author- ity warned that approving the application could create future pressure for similar develop- ment in the surrounding rural area. The Agriculture Advisory Committee (AAC) adopted a more nuanced position. While it raised no objection in principle to the conversion of the site into a riding school, it objected to the equine products shop, catering facility, lecture room and ancil- lary accommodation. During the processing of the application, the Planning Com- mission repeatedly deferred the case and requested amend- ments. The applicant subse- quently removed the proposed shop and catering facility. In its final justification, the commission noted that the latest drawings addressed the original reasons for refusal because the equine products shop and cater- ing facility had been removed. The final permit retains the horse-riding school, a lecture room and four sleeping quarters described as ancillary accom- modation. The commission ap- proved the scheme subject to a condition stating that the sleep- ing quarters cannot be used for tourism-related purposes under any circumstances. The board also asked for a re- vision of plans "to indicate the labelling of sleeping quarters in- stead of bedrooms". The application also raised questions regarding unauthor- ised development on site. Re- vised demolition drawings were submitted identifying structures earmarked for removal. A fine is applicable where the permit sanctions illegal development already on site. 5 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 14 JUNE 2026 NEWS Counterfeit jewellery, watches, and handbags cost Malta €8 million a year COUNTERFEIT jewellery, watches and handbags are cost- ing Malta an estimated €8 mil- lion a year, according to the European Union Intellectual Property Office. The losses include €7 million in the jewellery and watches sector and a further €1 million in hand- bags. Counterfeiting has become a major concern across the EU, causing an estimated €12 billion in annual losses in the clothing sector and another €2.7 billion in handbags, jewellery and watches. This is especially significant given the economic weight of design-driven industries, which employ around 28 million peo- ple, account for approximately 13% of EU employment and gen- erate more than 16% of EU GDP. The figures come from EUIPO findings that 72% of European consumers consider product de- sign important when deciding what to buy, while nearly three in four say they would pay more for a product with better design. Design matters most in the furniture and fashion sectors. According to EUIPO, 76% of EU consumers consider design very important when buying furni- ture, while 66% say the same for clothing and accessories. Young consumers place the highest value on design, with 80% of people aged 18 to 24 say- ing it influences their purchasing decisions. They are also more likely to associate good design with positive emotions and to pay more for better-designed products. But this focus on design also exposes a contradiction, with young consumers more likely to buy counterfeit goods that im- itate the look of genuine prod- ucts. Around 13% of Europe- ans say they have intentionally bought such products, rising to 26% among those aged 15 to 24. EUIPO said these findings highlight how design-led prod- ucts remain especially vulnerable to copying and counterfeiting. The study highlighted that SMEs are particularly vulnera- ble, as they often rely on a limit- ed number of distinctive designs and have fewer resources to monitor or enforce their rights. It said small businesses that register their designs generate almost 30% more revenue per employee and pay almost 25% higher wages than those without registered intellectual property rights. However, only around 1% of EU SMEs hold registered de- sign rights. To address this, EUIPO is pro- moting design registration as a way for businesses to better protect themselves from coun- terfeiting and unauthorised copying. "European design is one of our greatest competitive strengths. It shapes the products we trust, value and enjoy every day while helping businesses stand out in the global market," EUIPO Executive Director João Negrão said. "Protecting designs gives creators the confidence to innovate and businesses the edge to compete - generating the growth and competitiveness on which Europe's economy relies." However, the issue extends be- yond economic losses. EUIPO said counterfeit goods can also pose health, safety and environ- mental risks, as they often fail to meet safety or quality standards. The organisation also linked the trade in counterfeit goods to or- ganised crime and, in some cas- es, labour exploitation. A separate EUIPO study linked counterfeiting to labour abuse, finding that countries most often identified as sources of counter- feit products tend to have weaker labour-market conditions. These include insufficient la- bour protections, child labour and a higher incidence of fatal occupational injuries. The anal- ysis also found that the preva- lence of forced labour is associ- ated with the value of counterfeit trade. According to the study, weak governance, limited enforce- ment and social vulnerability can create conditions in which such practices flourish. It called for stronger labour governance, enhanced trade and customs enforcement, improved data col- lection and closer cooperation between labour, customs and law-enforcement authorities. EUIPO is one of the EU's largest agencies, managing the registra- tion of trade marks, designs, and craft and industrial geographical indications across all 27 member states. EVA BRANNON ebrannon@mediatoday.com.mt PA approves ODZ horse-riding school in Landrijiet JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt