MEPA asks Hondoq developers to submit new application

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.