Gozo has not yet reached the point of no return

The recent dismissal by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority of the application for the massive project at Ħondoq ir-Rummien, in Gozo, should be a wake-up call for all concerned to start considering development applications for Gozo with different planning tools than are used for applications in the mainland.

Without going into the merits or otherwise of the project, this application should never have taken such an incredibly long time to determine and it is definitely not fair on developers, and potential investors (or objectors even) to be kept hanging for so long. This has already happened before in the Verdala golf course project and others and is always deplorable.

Nevertheless, Mepa should be the first to acknowledge that Gozo is, I should say fortunately, still at a stage when most of it can be salvaged (barring maybe Marsalforn and Xlendi) and, therefore, able to nip unsustainable projects in the bud. It is a fact that many insensitive developments have been permitted to contribute to the uglification of many a quaint Gozitan village in the past decades but let’s look forward as I believe that the rape of Gozo has not yet reached the point of no return.

Positive signs of Mepa’s new commitment have become evident recently in its refusal of the Xagħra Lodge proposal and of the Dwejra boathouses – so there is hope still.

Maybe it is the opportune time for a third EPC (Environment Planning Commission) board to be purposely set up to consider only applications for Gozo. This board, which would meet in Gozo, should be composed solely of persons who are aware of and sensitive to the uniqueness of Gozo and who would ensure that, within the normal planning considerations, each application fits into its immediate surroundings, if it is going to be allowed.

The local plan for Gozo should be rewritten not only to control new developments but to ensure that they enhance the character of the island. Failing which I fear the charm of our sister island will slowly wither away and be lost for future generations.

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