Vittoriosa residents urge tribunal to reject belvedere kiosk appeal

Birgu residents have called on the environment and planning review tribunal to reject a permit application for a timber kiosk in Birgu.

The concerned residents – who earlier this year had unsuccessfully tried to obtain a court injunction to stop MEPA from issuing a full development permit – insisted that the wooden kiosk would negatively impact the residents and the environment.

Some 350 residents have petitioned both MEPA and the local council against the permit. The applicant is seeking a permit for a Class 4D kiosk and placing of tables and chairs.

The residents said MEPA had unanimously decided against the permit and that the local council withdrew its initial recommendation because it had been “mislead” and proper consultation failed to take place. Several entities including the Vittoriosa Historical Society, the Three Cities Foundation, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar and Din l-Art Helwa have opposed the project.

On its part, the Cottonera Rehabilitation Committee discussed the application but failed to take a position on the matter.

“It is the resident’s wish that the tribunal follows MEPA’s position and rejects the applications,” the residents said.