Ġnejna caravans refuse to budge, despite decades of complaints

Caravans and motorhomes have once again taken over a private plot of land at Ġnejna Bay, prompting frustration from the Mġarr mayor and the land’s co-owners, who say years of complaints to the authorities have gone unanswered.

Photos seen by Times of Malta show vehicles entrenched on the site – some with porches and fake turf – blocking access to the bay and raising concerns that the encroachment has become permanent.

Despite attempts to report the encroachment of caravans on private land at Ġnejna Bay, the mayor and land co-owners feel their calls have fallen on deaf ears.

“The caravans have become a nuisance for the local council and residents,” mayor Paul Vella said.

“They are there year after year, and I cannot understand how, despite reporting them to the authorities, they have done nothing to remove them.”

Photos sent to Times of Malta show several caravans and motorhomes parked on a private plot of land close to the Natura 2000 area. Apart from blocking the access of the bay for visitors, some caravans have set up porches with fake turf, while other vehicles have deflated tyres, showing they have no intention of leaving soon.

The Ġnejna caravan saga dates back decades, with a Times of Malta opinion piece dating to 2006, highlighting how the picturesque bay became a “caravan and tent city” after several caravans occupied the privately-owned part of the bay.

A representative of the co-owners said the issue dates back 30 years, and despite attempts to speak to the caravan owners, they refuse to move from the private property.

After numerous attempts at discussion with the caravan owners, a recent police report was filed in March, flagging how the caravan owners were violating private property.

In April, notices by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) were slapped on the caravans, calling for the owners to contact the authority. Yet, the representative and Vella said no action has been taken yet.

They have no permit or permission to be there- Mgarr mayor Paul Vella

This is not the first time Vella voiced his and the locality’s frustration about the caravans.

In 2009, Vella told caravan owners they were “causing a lot of frustration” for residents, yet the owners argued they had permission to park their caravans in the area.

Shortly afterwards, 12 caravans were reportedly towed away by their owners, yet Vella said the caravans were later returned to the site.

Years later, the situation has barely changed.

“They have no permit or permission to be there,” Vella said.

He highlighted how every year, residents complain to the council about eyesore caravans taking up space at the Natura 2000 site. He also flagged how owners have moved stones to create barriers around their caravans.

“Every year, especially closer to the summer months, residents reach out to the council to see what will be done about the caravans,” he said.

Some motorhomes have a porch and a wooden fence.

Who can take action?

A spokesperson said the Planning Authority has received several complaints regarding illegal developments, including the placement of caravans at Ġnejna Bay.

In the past, the PA issued enforcement notices to caravan owners for placing the mobile homes without a permit. The spokesperson explained the PA can only act if the caravans would constitute a material change of use of the land.

“If the caravan is placed on the carriageway or on a parking area, then there is no change of use of the land in terms of the Development Planning Act,” the spokesperson said.

The Ġnejna caravans are situated in the parking area of the private plot of land.

“Therefore, the placing of caravans in this area does not constitute development since there is no material change in use of land, and the matter cannot be pursued further by the PA.”

Replying to questions, a police spokesperson said following a lodged complaint, owners are being identified and spoken to.

Despite the mayor’s pleas, the caravans have not been removed.

No further details were provided.

An Environment and Resources Authority spokesperson said the issue regarding the caravans did not fall under the authority’s remit.  Further questions were sent regarding the authority’s notice placed on the caravans earlier this year.

In 2024, the government approved changes to the temporary placement of caravans and camper regulations, with one of the main changes being that caravans in summer are limited to a stay of up to seven days.

The regulations apply from June to September, and caravan owners must notify the Department of Local Government, rather than local councils, of the placement of their caravan. Throughout the rest of the year, caravans do not need a permit to park their caravan on public land.

Caravan owners pay just €5 per day, while a rate of €0.50 per day was introduced for those aged 60 or over.

Local councils may establish designated caravan and camper sites and failing to present a permit can lead to a fine of between €100 to €500.

Some caravans have deflated tyres, indicating they have been set up camp a while ago.