MEPA asks Hondoq developers to submit new application
In what appears to be the final blow to the Hondoq ir-Rummien project, its developers have been told that they will have to start from scratch by applying again for the original development.
2 November 2011, 12:00am
James Debono
James Debono
1 min read
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.
James Debono is MaltaToday's chief reporter on environment, planning and land use issues, ...
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Developers?
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No, they are environment destroyers.
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MEPA?
Luke Camilleri •
MEPA PLAYING HARD TO GET!
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Can one really trust MEPA anymore ? Will there be another ODZ run with the general elections getting closer by the day?????
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What a sign of relief
Hopefully one day we can say that Hondoq is saved.
Pls mepa keep up to your word and refuse it so we can enjoy this Jem for generations to come
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this is simple short sightedness from the so called develpers. our children will curse us if we spoil any unspoilt area that is left on our precious islands. we do need development no doubts about that. but we have to think outside the box and instead redevelop areas that have already been developed and transform and/or upgrade them to blend with our enviornment and cultural background, rather then spoil new areas.tourist of today and tomorrow are in search for identiy and nature and not only luxerious hotels. how about giving sliema front its facade that it deserve back? there can be a lot of investement and redevelpment for sure. and what about st pauls bay and the Bugibba area. transform them into typical maltese villages with all the desired upgraded amenities?
