Another blight on Gozo’s landscape gets ODZ approval
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Despite repeated objections from Qala residents, the Qala Local Council and the MEPA Planning Directorate’s two recommendations for refusal, the DCC Board has now issued a permit for the building of an apartment block in an outside development zone (ODZ) area of Qala.
The permit is for the proposed demolition and rebuilding of the ‘Xerri il-Bukkett’ restaurant and also the additional construction of an apartment block and a parking lot.
MEPA’s Development Control Commission (DCC), which is responsible for outside development zones, has overturned the previous decision taken in December 2008 to refuse the development.
During the December meeting, the board had turned down the development with seven votes against and none in favour, today the same board approved the project with five votes in favour and one against.
Qala residents and the Qala Local Council have always insisted that the additional floors proposed to replace the existing building will completely ruin the existing picturesque view from the adjacent public belvedere, which is a favourite spot for local people and tourists. tourists visiting Gozo.
However local residents who went to todays meeting complained bitterly, saying that they had not been allowed to voice their objections.
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How come that citizens have no right to voice their objections this is sheer arrogance at it`s best.
Is this what we were promised No more ODZ? These words must have been written on water
This makes me so angry!!!! UNDILUTED GREED & CORRUPTION What is the point in voting for the smiling candidate who promises to faithfully represent his constituents whilst taking a “back hander” to allow these atrocities to be built? These very same people’s wages are paid by you & they must be held accountable for these decisions which are NOT representative of the local majority. ASK THEM WHY & KEEP ON ASKING THEM until they come clean.
Where is the Minister for Gozo? Where is the Parliamentary secretary from Nadur? Why aren’t they all up in arms? I won’t ask where the PM is, poor chap probably doesn’t know himself and has obviously bitten off far more than he can chew by boasting about the ‘reformation’ of MEPA!
While I sympathise with the owners of this prime piece of property, it is ODZ, and laws are there to be respected. I am sure they would love someone to build a block of apartments right in front of their restaurant.
I find it absolutely inconceivable that the DCC, which is responsible for outside development zones, has overturned the previous decision taken in December 2008 to refuse the development. What on earth is the purpose of such committees or boards? The whole thing sounds extremely fishy – perhaps the Department for the Prevention of Corruption (if such a thing exists in this country which is fast becoming a banana republic) should take a closer look at the permits, and especially at the architect!
Is this going to become another Scerri case? I sincerely hope not. Gozo is simply too precious to bandied about as a political ‘ball’!
So much for the eco-island of Gozo? What a laugh…….but how terribly sad.
If it was wrong in December 2008 what has changed? How can the same board that turned it down 7 to 0 then pass it with 5 votes now?
And Mepa wonders why people think they are corrupt!
What has just happened here is madness. This building had an illegal addition built on to begin with and Mepa regulations state that applications cannot be considered for illegal structures. On top of that it’s ODZ.
The DCC are just incompetents at large. They have no respect for the laws of the country and are above the ODZ laws of the land. Nuf said.
Another disgrace to add to the long List of Shame!
…Now let’s see which first politician will organise a tombola or a get-together in this place with such marvellous scenery?
Perhaps you need to wait about 4 years….but then…people will forget and vote.
“MONEY MONEY MONEY – MUST BE FUNNY – IN A RICH MAN’S WORLD”
Well, I can only do what is my only effective protest…eventually cease to visit Gozo if this is how the landscape is going to be continually eroded with such ugly blights. Seriously, with all the empty shell apartments left unsold/unoccupied, when is someone going to wake up and smell the coffee instead of thinking of their wallets in the short term? I’m sorry for Gozo business, because this is only going to drive people away. Doesn’t anyone notice people visit Gozo because it’s relatively undeveloped? Shame on you Giovanna and all your cronies for not protecting and realising the true potential of this jewel of this island, it’s history and unique appeal. It needs your help, not more reasons to go elsewhere.