Public belvedere allocated to private kiosk

A kiosk is to be developed on the public belvedere overlooking Bugibba’s main square and the offshore fountain, located after the land in question was identified for this purpose by the government property division.

The belvedere was constructed as part of the Bugibba promenade project undertaken by the Labour government back in 1997.

The planning application was submitted in September 2013 after the government requested the relocation of a kiosk owned by the same owner in the vicinity of the water park.

The permit for the 18-square metre new permanent kiosk was issued by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority last Friday.

The main reason given by the case officer for recommending the approval of the new kiosk was that the Government Property Division had identified the site in question.

The new kiosk will also include an area for chairs and tables covered by a glass roof.

The present policy guidelines on kiosks state that kiosks should be at least 500 metres from existing kiosks. This minimum distance was not respected in this case.

But the case officer argued that this policy does not apply to this case because the kiosk is being relocated from another place.

The owner had to sign a bank guarantee to ensure that the existing kiosk is removed before the new kiosk is opened.

The proposed kiosk makes extensive use of glass to limit its negative impact on sea views. The planning gains proposed by MEPA include the introduction of three benches for the public and three refuse bins. No cooking will be allowed in the new kiosk.