MEPA turns down antenna on St Dominic church

Back in 2001 and 2008 MEPA had approved two other antennas through a Development Notification Order - a simplified procedure for minor developments.

But subsequently, MEPA changed its policy in this regard in a way that, when located in urban conservation areas, similar developments still require a full permit.

MEPA's Heritage Planning Unit insisted that: "The fixing of antennas on the belfries and domes of Maltese churches is objectionable in principle."

It claims that these antennas require cables and equipment, which create further development on top of churches.

According to the case officer report, the proposed antenna will be 4.5 meters above the roof level and will be highly visible and have an impact on the skyline. It also notes that an existing antenna behind the church will have its height increased from 4.5 to 6 meters. It points out that according to the structure plan, telecommunication antennas can only be permitted in urban conservation areas if these are hidden from public view.

In December, MEPA had turned down an application to install four mobile phone antennas on the dome of the Gharghur church.

The Archdiocese of Malta has entered into agreements with all three local mobile telephony providers. By 2009, 43 antennas had already been installed on its properties.

"The agreements with the providers are subject to payment. Considering that these agreements are with commercial entities, it is not felt appropriate to unilaterally divulge certain details about them," a spokesperson for the Archbishop's Curia told MaltaToday in 2009.

All income derived from such agreements goes to the particular church entity involved.

MaltaToday is informed that mobile phone companies pay up to an annual sum of €1,000 for anyone willing to host an antenna.

MEPA's Environment Planning Commission will be taking a decision on 2 May.