One World... The South Malta Local Plan
Liberating March 31, 1979!
Which site is being proposed for re-development?
The Malta Environment and Planning Authority has been entrusted by government to prepare a development brief for the 31st March 1979 petroleum depot site in Birzebbuga. The site lies within the Marsaxlokk Bay Local Plan area, which was approved by the then Planning Authority in January 1995.
Why is this considered necessary?
The depot has been classified as a top tier establishment having quantities of dangerous substances exceeding the upper qualifying quantity, in terms of the Seveso II Directive. Furthermore, it has become increasingly difficult for the governmental agency to operate from Birzebbuga. Although the Enemalta depot is close to the shore and convenient for the importation of fuel, some of the complementary structures such as the dolphin and the berthing pier regularly need extensive maintenance and repair, being aging structures.
What is the main aim of this brief?
The main purpose of this development brief stems from the fact that Enemalta Corporation is committed to close down March 31, 1979 petroleum depot due to its non conformity with EU standards.
This depot is Malta's major storage facility for kerosene and petrol fuels but constitutes a significant safety hazard for the surrounding residential area. The scope of this development brief, therefore, is to give the potential interested parties clear planning guidelines as to the appropriate form and type of development expected by Enemalta Corporation and acceptable to Mepa.