The Mepa Board refusal of the application by Tumas Group to develop a coastal site at Portomaso is a landmark decision. This came after the Planning Directorate recommended to the Mepa Board approval of the proposals and the issue of a building permit of 46 apartments spread over 8,000 square metres on a protected coastal site.

The issues were clear: there is a Grade 1 scheduled coastal fortification built by the Knights; the site was denoted in the permits as being an eco-zone with unique species; in the Portomaso permits, the site was designed as a public open space; the permits excluded any new developments at Portomaso; there is an enforcement notice on illegally built boathouses. All these issues militated against approval of this application.

Nevertheless, the Planning Directorate strangely recommended approval of the developer’s proposals. The Mepa Board notably rejected this recommendation and the project proposals were refused.

This is the Mepa reform at its very best, and the Mepa Board should be proud of having once more acted responsibly and judiciously when rejecting the irresponsible and highly questionable recommendations of the Planning Directorate.

The next improvement of the reform will be to scrutinize more closely the workings within the Planning Directorate and other Directorates within Mepa.

Peter Richards

CANTERBURY

UK