Moviment Graffitti has described the recommended approval of an application to convert a disused explosives factory in Dingli into ten bungalows as another planning travesty. 

The Planning Authority is set to decide on the controversial development this Thursday, with The Malta Independent reporting how the PA’s case officer had recommended that the project be approved. 

The project will see more unspoilt land taken up to for the construction of dwellings complete with a pool, car park and management block, the NGO said. 

“This application is a shameless attempt to circumvent constraints on ODZ development. If approved, this may well open the door to similar applications in other areas of Malta,” said a spokesperson for the group. “The land in question lies within a Special Area of Conservation due to the high ecological value of the cliff habitat, and adjacent to two Special Protection Areas for the conservation of breeding seabirds which would be impacted by light pollution. It is also a scheduled Area of Ecological Importance and Area of High Landscape Value.” 

The group also asked whether the site’s ODZ designation stands for something, in view of the constant and persistent tactics employed by developers to undermine the protection granted to the site by the ODZ status. 

“The original permit for the factory even included an explicit condition which states that the premises are not to be used or furnished as holiday flats by tourists. The permit was granted on the basis that the hazardous nature of the factory's production required a location away from residential areas.” 

The group also highlighted the devious manner in which Infrastructure Malta connected the water supply to the disused factory ahead of the planning application, noting that the previous applications in 2017 were rejected on the basis that there were no such services to the site. 

“Infrastructure Malta has funnelled public funds to service a private development, ensuring that the developers find the less obstacles possible in their bid to commercialise an unspoilt area. The applicant herself, Maria Sant, declared in the application that no trenching was required to connect the development to the water distribution network. This amounts to a written confirmation that IM have used public funds to get private developments green lit.” 

In addition, a magisterial inquiry on misuse of EU funds has been ordered by Magistrate Josette Demicoli, who concluded that there is the possibility of a criminal act being committed. The inquiry is investigating Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi (Parliamentary Secretary responsible for EU funds), the Dingli Local Council and other government entities on the misuse of EU funds use to build a high rubble wall in the road leading to the proposed development. “Not only did the PA never intervene to halt works, but the board members voting in favour of the development risk becoming accomplices in a criminal act,” the group said. 

The construction process will see heavy vehicles passing through narrow country lanes, destroying the serenity of the area, while the increased traffic from tourists and service vehicles will undoubtedly pose a threat to the area's ecological and landscape value, rendering any legal provisions taken to preserve the area useless. 

Moviment Graffitti also criticised the Environment and Resources Authority, who had first objected to the development but then changed its mind after the presentation of fresh plans. “The ERA’s U-turn is clear for everyone to see. The authority first stated that it "does not support the principle that [prior] development should serve as a pretext for committing sites to further development”, however it “noted the current built commitments on site” when making its endorsement. The authority is clearly saying that it is not obliged to act upon its own principles.” 

The group also highlighted how the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage stated in no unclear terms that the "intensification of development would inevitably result in the formalisation of this significant rural and cultural landscape Outside Development Zone", recommending the demolition and rehabilitation of the site. 

The Dingli Local Council has also objected to the development. 

Moviment Graffitti stated that this application should be rejected, and calls for an end to the constant appeasing of developers hellbent on “turning the countryside into their personal cash machine,” with the use of public funds as in this case. 

The fact that the project application has even reached this stage, in these circumstances, is a travesty, and it will only become much worse as a precedent for future ODZ development will be set if the permit is granted.