Abela 'against illegal developments' after Manoel Island padel courts dispute

Robert Abela insisted he is against development without permission but pointed to the Planning Authority’s “autonomy” when asked about the Manoel Island padel courts.

The prime minister, currently leading the Labour Party’s re-election efforts, was asked to comment on the PA’s recent recommendation to sanction illegally built padel courts on Manoel Island.

The authority’s case officer recommended approving Gżira United FC’s controversial application to sanction padel courts illegally built on the site. The football club should pay a €900 fine for the infringement.

“I am against any development without a permit. I have been categorical about that. It is disrespectful to society that is mostly law-abiding,” Abela said.

The prime minister insisted that the case officer only provided a recommendation, including for the €900 fine, adding that the Planning Board still had to take a decision on the matter.

He pointed out the PA is “autonomous” when taking its decisions.

Abela, however, added that the area where the padel courts were built is slated for sports facilities.

“Concerning the sports facilities of the Gżira football club, which also concerns the Gżira community, one must also ensure that everything is done cautiously,” he said.

Abela added that Gzira football club has a concession over the site, adding that it is not part of the government's project to convert Manoel Island into "the most beautiful environmental project in our country's history".  

'Planning reform will come only with convergence'

Abela called an election while several bills were still pending in parliament, including the controversial planning bills that would have overhauled Malta’s system.

Widespread protests from environmentalist groups saw those bills shelved until they were eventually declared null at the moment parliament was dissolved when Abela announced a snap general election.

Asked about a future PL government’s plans for the sector, Abela said he will only move forward with a reform once there is “convergence”.

“I believe that if we calmly continue the discussion we’ve had in the last weeks, we can arrive at a point of convergence.”