MEPA has turned down an application by Charles Polidano to construct a Lidl supermarket outside development zones in Gnien il-Ward in Zebbug.
MEPA’s planning experts had already called for its refusal in May 2007.
But on that occasion MEPA’s Development Control Commission decreed that “in view that this development is situated between other developments, further information was required for a better assessment.”
MEPA’s decision to turn down the Zebbug supermarket comes in the wake of the controversial approval of another ODZ supermarket in Safi.
The approval Safi supermarket was decreed illegal by MEPA auditor Joe Falzon but the authority has so far refrained from revoking it.
Previously MEPA had also approved an ODZ supermarket in Luqa despite the objections of the civil aviation department. MEPA has previously refused an ODZ Lidl supermarket in Mosta.
MEPA is presently considering another ODZ supermarket in Zabbar. Lidl has already opened three supermarkets in Luqa, Sta Venera and San Gwann.
The Zebbug application was turned down after MEPA’s Transport Planning Unit concluded that the development was unacceptable because of its traffic impact.
The original architect presenting the application for Charles Polidano was former MEPA Deputy Chairman Catherine Galea.
But on 11 January, following reports in MaltaToday highlighting a potential conflict of interest, Stephen Tonna replaced the MEPA deputy chairman as the developer’s architect.
The site sited next to the grounds of Saint Dorothy’s school consisted of a two-storey farmhouse facing on Mdina Road in Zebbug with the remaining area at the back of the site covered by trees.

jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt