A well-hidden illegal development has been uncovered near the Brangelina film set in Gozo’s Mgarr ix-Xini. This following relevations made by this newspaper last month, which showed that a restaurant on the bay’s edge was still operating despite a Mepa enforcement issued against the operators.

This ‘new' illegal development comes in the form of a large building looking much like a villa which sits atop the cliff overlooking Mgarr ix-Xini bay, near the Brangelina film set.

The villa is not immediately visible to the naked eye and is masked by high hills round the back and cypress trees and rubble walls on the front. Binoculars were required to see part of the dwelling, as well as the help of Google maps.

The building in question currently holds the MEPA status of “sanctioned enforcement” and the owner is John Debono. According to the MEPA website, the enforcement notice reads; “You have a development without the required permission. The structure is bigger than was permitted and was converted into a residence instead of an agricultural store. In addition, the construction of a levelling floor with tiles and concrete was built, which includes a new concrete path as well as a swimming pool.”

Originally the area was supposed to operate as an agricultural store, however developments then began to occur.

A source who frequents the area brought the issue to this newsroom’s attention. “The area is known for housing five star tourists who spend tons of money when they come on holiday, however should the area begin to be developed, then these people would stop travelling here, given that there are many more gorgeous islands in the Mediterranean. These tourists are ones that spend €250 on a dinner out, renting boats to go out to sea, not your average tourist”.

The concerned tourist mentioned that after the enforcement notice was issued, works still continued.

The source also said MEPA workers had gone on site when called and had stopped construction when present.

The house receives an electricity supply, the source said, however it does not seem to be on Enemalta’s books. Contacted, Enemalta said; “We do not have any electricity meter located in the area marked by the red circle in the aerial photo indicated”.

Questions were also sent to MEPA, however replies were not received by the time this article had gone to print.

The part of this article which made reference to another illegality in Mgarr ix-Xini has been removed after it was verified that the building in question is covered by all necessary permits.