Works to construct a new restaurant and other amenities at Kennedy Grove are in full swing even if the Malta Environment and Planning Authority is set to decide on the latest plans for this government project tomorrow.
MEPA claims that the new building is covered by a permit issued in 2003. But MEPA’s Development Control Commission is to meet tomorrow to approve “additions” to the original permit for the development of a “recreational landscaped and afforestated area with facilities” which also includes a restaurant.
While originally the restaurant was meant to cover 55 square metres, the new amenity which includes a restaurant covers 360 square metres, according to MEPA.
The latest application to develop the restaurant and the landscaped area was presented by permanent secretary in the Ministry for the Environment and Rural Development, Dr Philip von Brockdorff.
The application presented in March calls for “planning consent for additions and alterations to the original permit.”
According to MEPA, “the additions and alterations are being favourably recommended.”
The original proposal, as approved in 2003, was for a utility building incorporating a small restaurant occupying 55 square metres, a store, first aid room and toilets.
But the new proposal, which is being favourably considered by MEPA, is for a “cafeteria and an amenities block occupying a total floor space area of 360 metres square”.
The case officer report for the application presented in 2007 states that the proposed amenity building’s components still include a “restaurant with additional seating areas and a service/store room”, as approved in 2003.
But it also states that “the layout and design for this building has been changed.”
MaltaToday asked the Ministry for the Environment and Rural Affairs why it was proposing a restaurant in a recreational park, but no reply was forthcoming from the Ministry by the time of going to print.
Originally, two car park areas were proposed, the largest of which included 112 parking spaces and a smaller car park occupying 16 parking spaces.
In the new permit, parking spaces are reduced to 37.