Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/224217
8 News maltatoday, SUNDAY, 8 DECEMBER 2013 From farms to houses, new policy's free-for-all JAMES DEBONO A controversial new planning policy is set to allow livestock farmers to build a new dwelling outside development zones, as far away as 100 metres from their animal husbandry farms. According to the new policy on ODZ developments, issued for public consultation last month, permission may be granted for the construction of a brand new, 150 square-metre dwelling within a 100-metre distance from a farm's boundary. The new policy applies to all livestock farmers, including poultry and rabbit farmers who clearly do not have to reside on site for animal husbandry purposes. The previous policy allowing livestock farmers to build a residence within the boundary of their farm, was limited to farmers breeding cows or swine. Under the new policy, a full basement beneath the footprint of the dwelling can be permitted. Additionally, the new houses can be located inside buffer zones of sites of ecological or scientific importance, many of which are designated as Areas of High Landscape Value. This is because only areas granted the highest levels of protection (Level 1 or Level 2) are excluded from this kind of development. The new policy does state however that permission for a new dwelling will only be granted when this is justified by the need to supervise "largescale animal husbandry operations". But it is not clear how this supervisory role can be performed in cases where livestock farmers are allowed to build a dwelling 100 metres away from the farm. The new policy also allows the construction of a single 250 square-metre dwelling unit within the boundary of an operational livestock farm, irrespective of the level of protection enjoyed by the site. The new policy will also permit a separate entrance to such dwellings. The present policy regulating these farm developments was approved in 2006, and allows such new dwellings only if located within the existing farm's boundaries. Moreover rabbit and poultry farm- Original permit for fireworks factory is untraceable JAMES DEBONO THE Malta Environment and Planning Authority is unable to trace the original permit for an outside-development zone (ODZ) fireworks factory set in a pristine location in Zurrieq, currently designated as an area of agricultural value. Despite the absence of any permit which proves that the factory was built legally in the first place, the Planning Directorate is still recommending the sanctioning of a number of buildings, to improve safety standards in the same fireworks factory. The owner of a field adjacent to the factory has objected to the factory's extension, claiming possible repercussions on the safety of neighbouring farmers. The case officer's report says that the application had originally "raised concern" because the developers made reference to the original PAPB permit, which has however not been traced. Despite the absence of any document proving that the factory was built legally, the case officer points out that the fireworks factory is covered by a police licence. The report also states that the main issue of this application is the safety aspect, and that plans were revised to comply with the requirements set out by the Explosives Committee and the Civil Protection Department. The proposal aims to legalise a number of illegal additions to the original factory which consist of a restroom, a coal room and mixing stores. It also proposes a number of new structures, including four workshops, a colour-pressing area and a locker room. The case officer's report reveals that two permit applications were made with respect to the land in question in 1984. One of these permits relates to the construction of a farm while the other permit could not be traced. The Department for Agriculture did not present any objections to the application. The case officer's report now says the upgrading of an existing fireworks factory is preferable to the development of new factories. MATTHEW AQUILINA On the 18th anniversary of your tragic and mysterious disappearance together with the other passengers of the Piper Lance 9H-ABU We miss you so much dear Matthew, love Mama, Papa, Daniel & Adrienne, Gillian & Alfio, Emma, Sophie, Luisa, Nino, Mattia, Luca, Nanna, Nannu, family and friends. Please remember Matthew in your thoughts and prayers. ers are excluded, and only farmers who have a minimum of 40 adult sows or milking cows can apply. They have also to prove they have been breeding animals for the past 10 years. No such provisions are made in the new document. Moreover it is only in exceptional cases, where the available space within the applicant's livestock farm unit is not suitable to accommodate the proposed dwelling, that a dwelling may be constructed on "land immediately adjacent and contiguous to the existing physical boundary of the livestock farm unit in question." The Pig Breeders' Association welcomed the proposals, describing them as showing an understanding that "the fear and risk of urbanisation of Malta's rural areas must be balanced against the need to allow continued development of agricultural holdings." "Without viable agricultural enterprise there would be no countryside as we know it," the association said. The association said the police would allow many farmers who have had to reduce their agricultural output to continue to generate income from their currently-empty buildings. "This could make all the difference between their continuing to farm and being forced to close down their farms to seek other employment." Gozo restaurant wants to sanction illegal additions THE Maxtura restaurant in Marsal- forn has applied to sanction various illegal additions to the controversial development approved back in the early 1990s. The latest application foresees the construction of conference facilities, restaurants, gardens and a spa on parts of the site. The site is presently subject to an enforcement order dating back to 2011. The enforcement was issued against the roofing of two internal yards, an addition to the footprint of the approved building and an illegal car park. In 2005 the Malta Environment and Planning Authority approved the permit sanctioning the illegal additions by approving basement parking facilities, while reinstating an existing car park to agricultural land. But the permit was subsequently withdrawn, due to a breach in one of the conditions. Following an anonymous letter sent to the Prime Minister and MEPA, reporting the pending illegalities on the site, an inspection was carried out on February 2013. Back then, a MEPA spokesman claimed that the illegal walls, paving and arches had all been removed within 24 hours of its inspectors' third site visit. Removed soil had also been replaced, while the developer had turned the makeshift, illegal car park back into a field. But an enforcement notice concerning yard roofs, building extensions and interior alterations has remained pending and is subject to daily fines. An application for tourist bungalows was also turned down by MEPA in 2005. The site is listed as one of wedding hall venues on the Catermax website, a company owned by the Vassallo and Corinthia groups. According to the website, the Maxtura gives "unobstructed views of Gozo's picturesque landscapes and its surroundings". jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt