Environment authority objects to Hondoq shop

The Environment and Resources Authority has joined the chorus of disapproval spearheaded by Front Harsien Hondoq’s tireless campaigner and PL councillor Paul Buttigieg against the development of souvenir shop at Qala.

Angelo Cefai, one of the owners of Ta’ Frenc Real Estate, wants to convert an agricultural store in Hondoq ir-Rummien into a souvenir shop. The land is owned by AAC Ltd, which is owned by Ta’ Frenc Real Estate.

While occupying the same area as the existing store (121 square metres) the application foresees a timber paving around the new shop and “restoration” of a rubble wall, which will surround the building. 

The store was granted an extension in 1994 when it had another owner, under a permit issued against the advice of the case officer. The ERA is now saying the proposal is objectionable from an environmental point of view. The Planning Authority has so far received 19 objections to the development.

The ERA has now noted in a memo seen by MaltaToday that the store lies in a sensitive environmental context, and expressed concern on introducing commercial uses and facilities like a WC, which would be incompatible with the area. 

It added that a permit for the proposal would create a precedent for similar developments in the area. “Further interventions within this location would result in additional adverse environmental impacts including take up of undeveloped rural and natural land for commercial uses and in the further landscape deterioration of the area.”