MEPA asks Hondoq developers to submit new application

Published on www.maltatoday.com on Wednesday ,2nd

November, 2011 by James Debono.

In what appears to be the final blow to the Hondoq ir-Rummienproject, its developers have been told that they will have to start from scratch by applying again for the original development.

In a major setback to developers of the Hondoq ir-Rummien yacht marina and residence, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) has informed them they will have to present a new application, something which takes them back to the point they started 10 years ago.

Investors and developers of the €120 million Ħondoq ir-Rummien project in Gozo recently submitted new plans, scrapping the marina and replacing it with a swimming lagoon.

MEPA's Environment Protection Unit has already deemed the development “objectionable” and called for its refusal.

The latest plans still include massive residential development in the unused quarry including a 5-star hotel and 285 flats and villas.

A spokesperson for MEPA told MaltaToday that the authority has advised the Hondoq ir-Rummien developers that the latest submissions materially change and cover a site area that goes beyond that of the current applications PA3797/02 and PA3798/02.

The Authority has advised the applicant that should he wish to proceed with these proposed changes and have them processed by the Authority this should be done through a new and separate application.

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