MEPA approves Gozitan Lidl in Xewkija

MEPA's Environment and Planning Commission has approved an application for the development of a Lidl supermarket and parking facilities at Ta' Zejta, just outside Xewkija.

The decision was postponed last June after the developers were asked to draw up a retail impact report and, earlier in May, to address safety issues for vehicles entering and leaving the site.

The main concern was that the large refrigerated trucks transporting supplies to the German supermarket chain might also not be able to manoeuvre inside the site, creating further problems.

The application was opposed by various environmental groups. Green Party deputy chairperson Carmel Cacopardo said the retail impact assessment itself not consider the impact the supermarket would have on surrounding towns.

A retail impact assessment recommending the approval for a Lidl supermarket in Xewkija, Gozo, is anticipating a €1.81 million diversion in trade from convenience stores selling foodstuffs in Rabat, and another €3.17 million diversion from convenience stores elsewhere in Gozo.

According to the retail impact assessment, the new Lidl would bring about a likely reduction in the turnover of convenience goods stores in the primary town centre of around of 5.8%. Turnover outside the town centre was expected to see a 2.5% reduction.

These reductions occur as a result of trade diversion outstripping the forecast growth in convenience goods' expenditure.

Back in June 2012 the decision was postponed after MEPA's Environmental Planning Commission ordered the project's architect to submit an updated Fire Safety and Ventilation report, an updated Construction Management report and clearance from Transport Malta, and a  Retail  Impact  Assessment,  following  the  provision  of  the terms of reference provided by MEPA's Forward Planning Unit.

The 4,813 square metre development is earmarked for a large vacant plot at the back of an existing petrol station on Mgarr Road.

Environmentalists have objected to the development because 30% of the site lies outside development scheme.

But the case officer states that the supermarket and the car park are now entirely located within development zones.

The supermarket structure will now include two overlying levels of parking, with the first floor level catering for 52 parking spaces and the roof of the structure, catering for another 58 car parking spaces.