A building development is taking place on the rocky shore along Islet Promenade in Bugibba, exactly in front of the public convenience halfway between Bay Square and the Seaview Hotel.

The building development is subject to two MEPA applications:

• Application 02207/03 ‘To upgrade a site for Kids Park, ancillary facilities and landscaping works’ was granted a permit in July 2005.

• Application 00116/07 ‘Amended application to PA 2207/03. Proposal consists in shifting position of bar, first aid room and alterations to existing toilets including part change of use to bar’ is still pending examination.

Permit 02207/04 was granted with the proviso that the development undertaken was of a temporary nature to be availed of during the summer months, that is between May and September. Following this period, the kids’ park is to be dismantled and the site returned to its original state.

However a site visit will show that the erection of a brick double-wall along the perimeter of a considerable area is a far cry from a ‘temporary’ construction. Presumably, this perimeter will be filled with rubble material (hopefully not concrete) to serve as a platform for the kids’ park and ancillary facilities.

The whole development raises a few questions:

• Is it proceeding as sanctioned?

• Can the site be restored to its original state?

• Is it right to allow a public convenience to be converted to a bar?

• What environmental impact will the development have?