         |
MEPA has change of heart on ODZ supermarkets The planning authority’s Development Control Commission (DCC) has asked the developer of an ODZ supermarket to locate the project entirely within building zones. The decision signals a change in the way MEPA tackled supermarkets located outside development zones before the 2008 general election, when two Lidl supermarkets built by developer Charles Polidano were approved in Luqa and Safi. Now the DCC is insisting that no part of a 4,700m2 supermarket in Xewkija should built outside development zones. Country View, which is being represented by architect Joseph Bondin, first proposed locating the supermarket outside the building zones, and keep its car park within development boundaries. Subsequently, fresh designs proposed locating the car park outside the zones and the supermarket within the building area – a proposal deemed unacceptable to the case officer, who recommended an outright refusal. Last Wednesday, the DCC asked the architect to submit fresh plans to locate both developments within the building schemes, instead of refusing the development. The case officer also objected to the project for not providing enough parking space, and hinted that an underground car park beneath the supermarket could be a compromise. In another sign that MEPA has become less liberal on granting permits to ODZ supermarkets, the planning directorate has also recommended the refusal of an ODZ Lidl supermarket in Zabbar. Any comments? |
 |
We asked.... Do you know what Vision 2015 is? 89% said ‘no’ Labour leads, but Gonzi makes slight recovery Survey confirms unpopularity of commuting Who’s the most trusted nanny in Gonzi’s cabinet? Consumers fishing around for better deals Robert Arrigo ‘most wanted’ for minister Cabinet thrives, but Fenech and Gatt hit rock bottom Bleak times – depression at the Grand Harbour Budget 2010 – Raise taxes or cut benefits? Only 35% will be taking a holiday this summer Corned beef? a matter of class Labour poised for absolute majority |
Managing editor Saviour Balzan | Tel. ++356 21382741 | Fax: ++356 21385075 | Email