Court appeal filed against plans to double size of Marsascala fuel station

An appeal has been filed in court against a decision to more than double the size of an approved fuel station in Marsascala, just across the road from the Family Park.

The Environment and Planning Tribunal last month approved an additional 1,200 square metres of agricultural land to include an enlarged retail outlet, larger offices, four massive garages, including a VRT centre, panel beating and mechanic services, as well as a larger area next to a previously approved car wash.

In the appeal, a resident and registered objector, backed by Moviment Graffitti, argued that the tribunal ignored the local plans to award the permit and had decided to destroy more agricultural land in the process.

The appellants argued the proposed development runs counter to the provisions of the Rural Policy & Design Guidance in that the works entail the removal of soil within an agricultural area. Furthermore, the proposed development is not a use essential for agriculture and, therefore, runs counter to South Malta Local Plan.

The approval was flagged by ADPD, with election candidate Brian Decelis saying that the permit was granted when it could least be noticed, in the middle of an electoral campaign.