Both applications for fuel stations which were meant to be discussed by the PA Board today have been withdrawn by the respective applicants.

The Planning Authority Board was set to decide the fate of two fuel station applications this Thursday, with both having been recommended for refusal by the case officers. One case that proposing a new station in Zabbar, was withdrawn by the applicant prior to the beginning of today’s hearing.

The issue of fuel stations has been an issue of concern over the past years, with the controversial fuel station policy having angered many environmentalists. Pressure was mounted and a review of the policy is underway. Criticism has been made over the sheer amount of time it is taking the Planning Authority to publish their recommended changes.

The second application was actually discussed by the board today, and the proposal was for a station on Triq Hal Far, Birzebbuga, Malta. “This is an Outline Development Application seeking permission for the construction of a fuel station including ancillary facilities.”

The proposed works included: Filling points; Under Ground reservoir; Service Station (Shop); Car Service Garages; Offices and stores; Car Wash; Drying Areas; Snack Bar and Cafeteria including kitchen; Landscaping.” This fuel station is being proposed within a site having an area of 4,209 sqm and is situated circa 230 meters from Hal Far Industrial Area boundaries.

The site in question is located outside the development zone, and along Triq Hal Far which is considered as an Arterial Road. The site is situated directly adjacent to Hal Far Shooting Range. The Environment and Resources Authority said that the proposal is of significant concern from an environmental point of view “since the excessive scale of the proposed development/interventions will commit the whole site, which is presently open agricultural land. Approval of this development would also result in the introduction of new commitment and further uptake of the remaining rural land in this particular area.”

The case officer concluded that the proposed fuel station cannot be recommended in view that the site under consideration is not listed as a potential site that could accommodate a fuel station without contemplating relocation. For starters, the site was for a new fuel station and not a relocation.

In today’s sitting however, the applicant’s representatives argued that the applicant took note of the reasons for refusal, and reduced the size of the site while offering to decommission a fuel station in a Gozitan town.

PA Executive Chairman Johann Buttigieg highlighted that such a move is not allowed as it constitutes a material change, and such a change cannot occur after the case officer releases his report. PA Board Chairman Vince Cassar also agreed. Buttigieg said that the applicant had all the time to know that the application was not according to policy.

Once the board said that they would only consider the original application, and not the proposed changes, the applicant withdrew the application altogether. This could potentially lead to the submission of a new application.