I am talking about PA/03877/18. The development is at L-Eremita, Triq ta' Gulju, Qala, Gozo. It consists of the granting of a permit for a three-star hotel to the spouse of Dr Anton Refalo, currently serving as minister.
The site is Outside Development Zone on a garigue. It had humble beginnings like in fables and fairy stories. It was a humble room occupying a 48-metre square footprint. In 2001, the footprint was increased to 251 square metres and was not sactioned. But then a permit was issued in 2003 to sanction additions to dwellings. And in 2009 changes were approved.
And in 2004, a pool was approved. The applicant was Dr Anton Refalo. Then in 2009, a reservoir and rubble walls, which were the target of an enforcement notice were finally sactioned. Then in 2014, a permit was issued to amend the landscaping scheme and regularise the reservoir for the collection of rainwater for irrigation.
And now voila! − a three-star hotel. The road was so long and winding that I did not find the step where the site was changed from agricultural use to residential use. I hope someone can help me find this switch.
I am asking this permit to be revoked. It is a shame that such a development is allowed to take place.
Joe Portelli
Nadur