The deluge in October

The deluge of galling ODZ planning applications did not abate during October, as the following few snippets show (the information was compiled with the help of Annalise Falzon of Nature Trust).

October 2 - three ODZ applications referring to ODZ structural alterations in a Qala property (after PA 01453/03 was given the green light, even though in an ODZ area), the development of an engineered landfill at L-Ghallis ta' Gewwa (PA 04834/04) at Bahar ic-Caghaq and the sanctioning of rubble wall construction and debris removal at Wied Garnaw.

October 16 - eight ODZ and two other applications within zone, girdling the islands from Fontana and Kercem in Gozo (referring to the construction of maisonettes and garages in Triq Mulejja and for additions to an existing building, such as swimming pool construction, in an ODZ property respectively) to Mellieha (referring to the proposed tennis court development by the Ramla Hotel at Ramla tal-Bir and for yet another bungalow with pool being proposed for the beleaguered Ghajn Zejtuna valley) to Zebbug (referring to an outright ODZ application for a Triq il-Poezija site) to Bahrija (which also hogs the development limelight, with two agricultural reservoirs being proposed for garigue areas) to Zabbar and Zurrieq (referring to the construction of two residences in an ODZ site in Triq in-Nigret).

October 23 - four ODZ applications, including one referring to the high-profile Riviera Martinique case, whereby the demolition of the existing derelict structure and removal of cliffside debris together with the construction of a two-storey building incorporating a restaurant and a multi-purpose hall, receded from the cliff face, are being proposed. Velvet gloves should be worn throughout, since the site immediately abuts on a proposed Natura 2000 site.

Also included in the October 23 slew were ODZ applications for the extension to an existing farmhouse in Nadur, l/o Rabat and the demolition of a pig farm and subsequent replacement by two residences in Safi. The SAC (Special Area of Conservation) and proposed Natura 2000 site of Buskett is also privy to an application to reclaim land for agricultural purposes.