Some ODZ sites that do not host agriculture or animal husbandry could be considered for the relocation of fuel stations, according to the proposed policy which has been launched for public consultation.
The new policy will guide the future evaluation of applications related only to the relocation of existing fuel stations that are currently having an adverse impact on urban areas.
Once approved, this proposed policy framework, will repeal the 2015 Fuel Service Stations Policy.
The new proposed policy has long been pending, sparking protests from NGOs, who argued that other contested applications were given the green light in the process.
Read: Activists camp outside PA offices in protest
According to the proposal, relocated fuel stations must be sited in designated industrial areas, small and medium enterprise sites, areas of containment or open storage sites.
Other areas designated for development in the local plan, excluding residential, residential priority and urban conservation areas, which are deemed safe by the authorities will also be considered.
The planning authority may also consider areas within ODZ that already have a permitted or legal commitment and which are not related to agriculture or animal husbandry.
Such sites will only be considered if a wider environmental benefit is achieved and the development is compatible with the context of the area.
In such cases, the total footprint shall not exceed the existing permitted or legally committed footprint, which in turn should not be larger than 1,000m².
The site of a new petrol station recently approved in Burmarrad.Current sites will be allowed up upgrade
Meanwhile, sites already occupied by permitted fuel stations will be allowed to upgrade.
Should a permitted fuel station be in an ODZ, upgrading works may not exceed the existing footprint or 1,000 m², whichever is larger.
Allowed upgrades will be limited to statutory and regulatory obligations, ancillary facilities and/or the introduction of dispensing facilities for alternative fuels such as CNG, LPG and electric charging stations.
There will be no footprint limit if the permitted fuel station is within the development boundary, subject to neighbourhood safety and compatibility.
Existing fuel station, which, following consultations with Transport Malta and Malta Resources Authority, are not deemed to create issues of amenity, safety or transport, will meanwhile not be eligible for relocation.
Existing fuel stations located partially or fully in ODZ will also not be eligible for relocation and the redevelopment or change-of-use of existing fuel stations located partially or fully in ODZ will also not be considered.
The height of a proposed fuel station would not exceed seven metres.
The new policy is also proposing that any fuel station that is not used for its permitted purpose for three consecutive years will be demolished at the expense of the owner, and the site has to return to agricultural state.
Those interested can send in writing to the Planning Authority, Director of Planning, St Francis Ravelin, Floriana FRN1234 or by email on FSSP_review@pa.org.mt by not later than June 14.
Read: Fuel stations review: Quo vadis?