Patrick Dalli appeals against Mepa

Patrick Dalli

Patrick Dalli has appealed against the planning authority’s refusal to sanction infringements on a controversial Żejtun property in an outside development zone (ODZ) area, saying the decision was conditioned by the media’s political agenda.

The husband of Civil Liberties Minister Helena Dalli told the Planning Appeals Tribunal he was extremely concerned that Mepa’s decision had been conditioned by media pressure targeting him simply because his wife was involved in politics.

He said the decision was unjust because it was not based on planning laws but on considerations “that are entirely focused on damaging the appellant simply because his wife is actively involved in politics”.

Mr Dalli instituted two separate libel suits against Times of Malta after this newspaper exposed finishing works being carried out on the Żejtun farmhouse that had been served an enforcement notice for infringements. Mr Dalli had breached the conditions of the original permit granted to him by extending the property’s size.

Mr Dalli had claimed he was not aware work was going on while he was still waiting for Mepa’s decision on whether to sanction illegalities. He said a promise of sale agreement had been signed with buyers and he did not have a key to the place.

Mr Dalli insisted this newspaper’s agenda was to target him simply because of who he was, even though he hardly ever appeared in public with his wife.

The house is owned by one of Mr Dalli’s companies, Pada Builders Limited. The application was unanimously turned down by the board even though the case officer’s original recommendation for refusal had been changed to “grant” a permit just before the last hearing.

Mr Dalli is also objecting to the board’s decision to go against the case officer’s recommendation – something that happens quite regularly in planning decisions because the board has the discretion to do so.

Targeted simply because my wife is involved in politics

Mr Dalli’s architect had submitted plans to demolish a room with a floor space of 25 square metres to address the board’s concerns. The reduction meant the remaining development would have a floor plan of 340 square metres. Mr Dalli argued this made the property eligible for sanctioning.

Mr Dalli has never published the promise of sale agreement in full despite repeated requests to Mr Dalli and the buyer.

Meanwhile, the case has prompted action by the Ombudsman’s office.

Planning Commissioner David Pace has concluded the case raised issues that were in the public interest and worthy of investigation.

Mr Pace questioned whether the planning authority had any guidelines on what work was permitted once an enforcement notice was served.