The Planning Authority today voted to sanction structures that were previously illegally built at the L-Arka ta' Noe' Zoo in Siggiewi, despite objections by the ERA.

The existing site has an area of circa 10,565 square metres. The existing commitments also include paths aimed to provide access throughout the site and landscaping. The existing development has the potential to attract a number of visitors to this site.

The site includes a farmhouse, stables, cages, landscaping etc.

A number of zoo goers attended the meeting, and spoke in favour of the zoo, arguing in favour of its therapeutic qualities.

A parent of a child with autism spoke out, and explained that their child feels free at the site. “We pass through many difficult situations, but this site offers us peace of mind. We ask you to take these under consideration.”

Bjorn Formosa, from the ALS Foundation, said he believes the site has more positive aspects than negative ones, and mentioned that while illegalities need to be regularised, the place still had positive effects on people.

The case officer had concluded that from a planning point of view, the sanctioning of the animal enclosure is acceptable and is hereby being recommended for approval, "subject to a fine and to the submission of revised plans indicating the demolition of the farmhouse and the rendering of any related amenities and supporting facilities in lightweight reversible materials and of a scale to accommodate the minimum space required."

The Planning Directorate also recommended that permission be subject to a planning gain to the value of €50,000 to be used to fund environmental improvement projects in the locality of the site. 

Originally, a planning gain of €50,000 was proposed, however this was reduced to €5,000 and a corporate social responsibility alternative, where the applicant would need, within six months, to sign an agreement with the education department for schools to be able to take students there for free.

The applicant however, still needs to pay a fine of €50,000 (seperate from the aforementioned planning gain)

In addition, the applicant (Anton Cutajar) and his representatives argued that the farmhouse was present prior to the applicant taking over the site. They also questioned the logic behind demolition part of the farmhouse and rebuilding it with lightweight materials, arguing that the farmhouse is currently used for the medical treatment of the large animals. “What will happen during the reconstruction period,” one person asked. The applicant’s representatives, who included former PL MP Luciano Busuttil were all against the reconstruction idea.

The board subsequently changed the condition, and instead said that if the building ever has a change of use, it would need to be demolished.

Three members of the board, including the board chairman (Vincent Cassar), and the Head of the Environment and Resources Authority Victor Asciak voted against sanctioning. The chairman said that the application for the structures should have been filed before, and not have been built illegally and then ask for them to be sanctioned. The ERA chief and the other board member argued that this could set a precedent, and so voted against.