During the course of the past week, MEPA approved an extension to the Seabank Hotel in Għadira. The hotel will now feature 340 additional rooms.
This application, which was being referred for approval by the Directorate, was unanimously approved by the MEPA Board last Thursday.
The proposed development shall occupy an area which lies in an outside development zone – nonetheless the Northwest Local Plan, which regulates future development in Mellieha, makes allowances for restrained development in this touristic area.
Back in 2005, the original proposals consisted of a low-lying bungalow-style development covering a much larger boundary which lies outside the development scheme – nonetheless MEPA’s Directorate had insisted that the proposal should read as a 10-storey structure covering a limited part of the owned site alongside the Mellieħa bypass. According to the approved plans, the hotel will now be equipped with a redesigned reception area and landscaped gardens, parts of which shall lie below existing street level.
During the public meeting, the developer’s consultant explained that most of the agricultural land (which was to pave way for this development) was abandoned and of low quality.
Interestingly, the discussion saw the participation of the Mayor of Mellieha, who gave very valid reasons in support of the proposal.
The applicant himself explained that the proposed extension was necessary to render the hotel economically viable in this time and age.
On the other hand, environmentalists who were present during the meeting highlighted that the Malta Environment and Planning Authority’s heritage advisory committee (which is an advisory committee and holds no executive powers) had recommended a refusal in view of the potential overall impact on the natural environment.
Indeed, the proposal was approved after the Board took all material circumstances into consideration.
In fact, the developer was obliged to submit a planning gain to the tune of €150,000, which shall be directed to the Mellieha Local Council.
More so, the Board asked the applicant to submit a bank guarantee of €100,000 prior to any works being taken in hand in order to ensure compliance with all permit conditions and ensure that the extension is used for touristic purposes only (failure of which, the permit will be withdrawn and the development, if built, technically removed).
Incidentally, the following day (on Friday) Nature Trust, Malta expressed concern that planning decisions affecting mega projects should be postponed until the MEPA reform takes shape within a few months’ time.
Either way, development will continue to entice debate on all fronts. Certainly, environmentalists remain major contributors to the planning debate, and therefore have a vital role to play in society. On the other hand, development continues to be a pre-requisite in sustainable economies.
Although government is doing its utmost to secure a better planning system, mega projects shall undoubtedly remain the subject of public controversy.
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