Greed’s Victory…Our Loss

Greed’s Victory…Our Loss

FAA Coordinator Astrid Vella Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar is in favour of the sensitive conversion and re-use of heritage buildings; however, there is a clear line between re-use and outright greed. When the authorities responsible for the protection of our heritage and environment support these speculators’ greed, they become... [...]

Corruption of Planning Systems

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Corruption of Planning Systems

  The approval of the application to build add a six-storey pencil development on top of a house that had been certified(*1) as being unstable, contravenes planning laws, regulations and past refusals. Development application PA 03552/15 had again been recommended for refusal by the Planning Authority Case Officer, the Sanitary... [...]

Planning Authority – Controlled Anarchy

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Planning Authority – Controlled Anarchy

I never thought that I would hear myself say that the Planning Authority (formerly MEPA) should be disbanded altogether. I had thought that imperfect as it was, the Planning Authority prevented Malta from sinking into uncontrolled anarchy.  I was wrong. At the Lija apartments hearing of two months ago I realised that we are... [...]

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Victor Axiaq: “I have no doubt…I would have voted against both developments.”

Quo Vadis, Malta?

Quo Vadis, Malta?

By Robert Louis Fenech Writing this piece the morning after the Planning Authority has given the green light to two monster developments – the Mrieħel high-rise blocks and the TownSquare tower (both projects being pushed by Gasan) – I cannot help but feel powerless and desperate. I will admit – I did not... [...]

The Plasticisation of the Sea

The Plasticisation of the Sea

By Dr John Paul Cauchi It so happens that during these hot, sweltering days that we go down for quick dip into our clear, blue seas, inviting under the shimmering sunlight in the relative quiet of the afternoon. We slowly immerse ourselves into the refreshing waters, entering the marine world while skimming the surface, enjoying... [...]

Ġenna ta’ l-Art

Ġenna ta’ l-Art

Miktuba minn Salvu Mallia Meta kont ħafna iżgħar, kont nisma’ xi kanzunetta bħal ta’ Celentano ‘Il Ragazzo della Via Gluch’ titkellem fuq il-ġungla tal-konkos li diġa’ kienet bdiet tibla’ l-Italja u t-tħassir ta’ l-ambjent. Naħseb li għax kont għadni baħnan, kont ngħid bejni u bejn ruħi: “Kieku aħna... [...]

Parked Cars – A Fairytale

Parked Cars – A Fairytale

  By Jorg Sicot Once upon a time, there was an island in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. Life was simple, the inhabitants lived on a small and happy scale. Settlements and villages were set up and laid out to the needs of the day: little roads winding their way past side alleys to a central gathering point. The roads... [...]

Land of Policies

Land of Policies

By Tara Cassar FAA Environment Officer & Architect Land has recently been the topic of much debate in Malta. Be it controversial deals over land expropriation, speculative gains being sought through high-rise development, or the development of educational institutions on pristine ODZ land. It seems that on an island... [...]