The Planning Authority has revoked planning permission for a two-storey dwelling in Ghar Gherduf in Kercem, Gozo,

The permit was granted last January, however the Board today voted to revoke the permit after it emerged that the classification of the site was wrongly stated during the processing of the application.

Last January, a development permit was granted for a two storey terraced house. When the application was being processed, the Planning Directorate assessed the site as a Class B Archaeological area. Government records show that the site of Għar Għerduf and its 100m buffer zone were protected as a Class A category in October 2000. The same discrepancy appears on the Authority's online system which is used by the Planning Directorate when assessing planning applications. This discrepancy was noticed after the Chairperson of the Authority's executive council Mr. Johann Buttigieg asked for a clarification about this permit.

Applicants argued that the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage did not object to the proposal, (as it had not replied). PA Chairman Johann Buttigieg said the architect on the project has done a disservice to the board by not raising the issue.