The Mepa board on Thursday unanimously dismissed an application to sanction an Iklin enterprise which includes a batching plant, a stone crusher and other building-related activities, over which hang multiple enforcement notices.

The Mepa board also received a number of irate letters from residents, particularly those of Trig Gdida fi Trig ll-Harruba, who complained of dust and the complete disregard of laws. They also complained they had not obtained any support from the various bodies they appealed to. This has been going on for years.

A site visit by an enforcement officer some three months ago found the plant in full activity, but lawyer Dr Massimo Vella, and architect Catherine Galea pleaded the batching plant has been stopped and its illegal roofing removed but the Mepa board was not buying that.

In the next application to be considered, an application to sanction some change of use at the Hard Rocks Industrial Complex, which involved the installation of intermediate floors which the Sanitary Officer said rendered the place too dark and unsanitary, the applicant learned, after some debate, that he could have gone to the General Service Board rather than apply for sanctioning.