Wied Għomor: Front Ħarsien ODZ warns against reliance on sworn statements

Front Ħarsien ODZ said today that it 'expects' the Planning Tribunal to uphold earlier decisions to refuse permits for development in and around Wied Għomor (near San Ġwann) The NGO was referring to three appeals during to be heard in the coming days. The first appeal, due to be heard tomorrow, involves the extension of a private villa and addition of a swimming pool. The NGO said the application should be refused again, given that the existing structure is illegal. Regarding the second case, the construction of a two-floor ‘extension,’ swimming pool, cesspit and reservoir adjacent to a farmhouse, to be heard on October 6, the Front said it had noted a worrying increase in the reliance on affidavits (sworn statements) to determine past use of property. "Determining whether a property was once used as a residence should depend upon clear and transparent processes, and not upon any individual’s memory and/or integrity," the front said.  The third appeal, due to be heard on November 22, regards the construction of a 133-room retirement home and ancillary facilities in a disused quarry. "The Front objects to developer Laurence Galea’s recent statement in the press that residents...