The Malta Environment and Planning Authority's (MEPA) planning directorate is recommending that the controversial proposal to build an extensive tourism complex at Ta' Cenc be rejected, The Sunday Times said.
A report seen by The Sunday Times says that the project's approval would prompt other developers to file similar proposals which the authority would then "find difficult to resist and would seriously erode the openness and rural character of the Gozitan landscape".
The project’s refusal is on the grounds that Ta’ Cenc as a prospective heritage park is overshadowed by inappropriate intensive development for the area.
The site is currently occupied by a low-level, five-star hotel which has 83 rooms.
The MEPA board is due to convene to give its final verdict in around six weeks' time. The developer, hotel-owner Victor Borg has been given an opportunity to respond.
The original application was filed in 1996, but has been amended considerably since that time.
If, as expected, this project for development is turned down, it would be the second controversial development in Gozo to be rejected in the past few weeks. Last October, MEPA had withdrawn its permit for the development of 23 villas on the hillside overlooking the Gozitan beach at Ramla l-Hamra.
See also:
Ta’ Cenc landowners deny intentions of developing land into golf course
by Ruth Davies – Aug 15, 2005
NTM call for protection on Ta’ Cenc
by Ruth Davies - Dec 13, 2004
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