| Mepa throws out Rabat golf course proposal
Times of Malta (10-09-2004) The Malta Environment and Planning Authority yesterday threw out the proposal for the construction of a golf course in Rabat, putting the seal on one of the most controversial development proposals in recent years - at least for the present. The decision, which is to be appealed by the developer, was taken at a marathon and often hotly disputed public hearing session in the Mepa boardroom. The proposal to build the 18-hole golf course, country club and pedestrian underpass, among other structures, has been on the cards for several years, much to the chagrin of the environmentalists who yesterday made their voice heard. But several of those present in the boardroom broke into applause when the board members voted unanimously against the proposal. After three and a half hours of debate, developer Anglu Xuereb made it clear that he would not throw in the towel - he will be appealing. The board in its entirety abided by the Planning Directorate's recommendation to give the thumbs down to the project, based on a number of reasons. The directorate concluded that the golf course would be located within an area of agricultural value and that the re-modification of the site would affect the water supplies, the soil profile and the landscape within the site. The directorate made it clear that some impacts of the golf course could not be mitigated through any counter measures. Simon Tortell, AX Holdings' representative, made his case for the proposal through constant interruption and snide remarks by the objectors. Dr Tortell argued that much of the land in question was in a derelict state and that the proposal had made provision for the repair and reinstatement of the rubble walls. During his short presentation, he said that the land around Verdala was not economically viable for the farmers in question. This argument was contradicted by two farmers at the hearing, who claimed they would lose their livelihood if the authority sanctioned the development. Another farmer however insisted that there was no viable agricultural produce in the area. Toni Abela, representing the Progressive Farmers Union, reminded the board that the footprint of the proposal was equivalent to the size of Sliema. Annalise Falzon from Nature Trust argued that some individuals seemed to believe that the construction of a golf course could solve the country's tourism problems. Before casting his vote, board member Joe Brincat, who represents the Labour Party, said he would be voting against the project because of the site being proposed and not because he was against the construction of golf courses. Speaking to The Times, a sullen Mr Xuereb said he was prepared to change certain aspects of his proposal to encourage a reconsideration. "It wasn't a fair hearing. We only got 20 minutes to explain 10 years of work to the board. That's clearly not enough," he complained. "I'm afraid to say the board members decided on the case before the actual hearing. What we saw today was not a healthy discussion." Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Harry Vassallo said the decision was aided by a broad and very significant alliance among the objectors. "This decision will boost the public's confidence in Mepa," Dr Vassallo said. He said Malta could never sustain a golf course which soaked up so much water and electricity. A beaming Michael Briguglio, for the Front Kontra l-Golf Kors, described the decision as a victory for social justice. Mr Briguglio said the proposal clearly contradicted the Structure Plan, and added that he could not see any reason why Mr Xuereb's appeal should force a change of heart. The pressure group's members were present outside the Mepa premises to voice their objection to the project well before the hearing's 2.30 p.m. start. No incidents were reported. |
 |