Stadium wall dismantled with no permit ahead of Labour mass meeting

Several parts of the boundary wall enclosing the Victor Tedesco Stadium in Ħamrun have been dismantled without a permit this week ahead of Sunday's Labour mass meeting.

Parts of the stadium's perimeter wall were torn down to allow equipment and staging into the arena, where the party plans to host a two-in-one mass meeting and music concert just six days before voters head to the polls.

In a reply to questions, the party admitted no permits were sought, but argued such works do not require permits or notifications since they "are intended to facilitate temporary access and logistical arrangements", "are reversible in nature", and that "the affected areas are to be reinstated following the event."

Planning laws do allow for repair works on boundary walls to be carried out without a permit, but they specify that such works do not include the demolition of walls, even if they will be rebuilt and returned to their original state.

The Victor Tedesco stadium on Friday. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

As a general rule, minor works do not require a full development permit - only Development Notification Order (DNO) – a fast-track procedure for minor works. But that procedure still requires architects to submit documentation to the Planning Authority and wait for its approval before it can carry out the works.

The PL spokesperson pointed to a provision in the Development Notification Order legislation (SL 552.08), which exempts some minor works from the Planning Authority’s oversight.

Class 2, Article 5 of the subsidiary legislation states that repairing existing boundary walls is exempt if the works do not affect the height and character of the existing wall.

But the same legislation also specifically states that minor works do not "constitute the complete or substantial demolition and reconstruction, or replacement, of buildings or structures".

Furthermore, Times of Malta spoke to two architects who said the works carried out at the stadium would have required, at least, a DNO, which would have required an architect to draw and submit plans to the PA.

An 'innovative concept'

Unlike past events held in long streets or large open spaces, Labour is holding its penultimate mass meeting this weekend in a stadium - an event which the party has described as an “innovative concept”.

“The Labour Party is organising an innovative concept this Sunday, as it will be holding a concert and mass meeting at the same time in the same venue. This is the first time that a music concert is being held in a football stadium in Malta," the spokesperson said.

“We are informed that all preparations being carried out are being conducted according to the necessary rules and regulations.”