The Planning Authority is deadlocked over a proposal to sanction a bird park in Zebbug, with five members in favour and five against.

The site under consideration is located outside the development zone at Ta l-Andar off, Triq Ta Ghar Ram, Zebbug. Plans indicate that the site lies in very close proximity to the development zones of Zebbug and Qormi.

The proposal was “to sanction conversion of an existing building to form part of a visitors attraction to bird park, including sanctioning of pool, toilets, manure clamp, canopy, animal enclosures and passageways.”The proposal, according to the case officer’s report, included enclosures for owls, fallow deer/kangaroo, graw/cawl and crush as well as parrots, verenali, storks/palette and falcons, among others.

The case officer noted, in his report, that this application sought to sanction illegal development, mainly the conversion of agricultural land info site for keeping of animals, including the construction of cages/structures related to this activity and other permanent structures constructed in masonry stone & also including a large timber structure indicated as lecture hall. As described in the Project Description Statement (PDS), the site is divided into four main parts, namely an olive grove, bird rearing husbandry, area for educational & recreational activities, and undeveloped fields that could be included in any future expansion.

On the extent of the illegalities, “comments by the enforcement officers indicate that the premises were being used for catering activities, and that the lecture hall and a number of cages have been constructed in breach of the enforcement notice,” the case officer’s report read.

Din l-Art Helwa (DLH) objected, stating that most of the works were carried out before obtaining a permit, and that DLH is against sanctioning within ODZ areas. Nature Trust Malta requested information on the animals planned for this area, and that any protected species should not be allowed to the display by the public.

The Environment and Resources Authority noted that the proposal is of significant environmental concern and is thus considered as being objectionable.

The Veterinery Regulations Directorate said that there is no objection to the development of the existing farm as premises for animal collection, since the site is large enough to handle a certain amount of animals, depending on the species being kept. “This endorsement is on condition that the developer does not introduce additional animals prior to obtaining written permission from the VRD.”

The Planning Directorate recommended that the application be refused, arguing that it runs counter to the Rural Policy & Design Guidance (RPDG) 2014 in that the site lies within 200 metre from the development zone. The proposal also includes the sanctioning of a significant amount of structures that are not lightweight and visually permeable, hence in conflict with policy.  The Directorate also argues that the proposal runs counter to SPED. In addition, the sanctioning of the swimming pool runs counter to policy.

The question regarding the swimming pool on site, the applicant’s architect argued that there was an agreement with Puttinu Cares to make use of it.

The Case officer’s report read that “an official statement issued by Puttinu Cares was presented, stating that the applicant has shown great generosity by organising several activities with proceedings going to Puttinu Cares, including educational trips for schools and catering activities. In the latter stages of the process, an agreement between Puttinu Cares and the applicant was also presented, whereby it is stating that Puttinu Cares patients can make use of the facilities at this bird park (including swimming pool) for rehabilitation purposes for free (subject to conditions).

The Case Officer’s report notes that if the project is approved, prior to any exhibiting of animals to the public, the site should be licensed as a zoo.

ERA Chairman Victor Asciak mentioned commercial activity on site, and told the applicant to say things as they are. “I have nothing against areas, even on ODZ, being used for therapeutic services, and I have no doubt they are being used, but let’s do things right,” he said noting that the restaurant on site is not listed as being for sanctioning.

PA Chairman Vince Cassar showed concern regarding the closeness of this bird park to the development zone, given relevant policies requiring a 200m buffer zone.

The Planning Authority Board saw five board members intend to overturn the Planning Directorate’s refuse recommendation, with the other five showing their intention to stick to that recommendation, and thus a final vote will be taken in another sitting.