Boathouse frenzy

Abstract

To the current frenzy of building stables and discos, we can add boathouses and hotel extensions. Snippets of information trickling through show plans for the dust-shrouded San Tumas enclave of around 140 boathouses, most of which are illegally-constructed, albeit on private land. Through a tailor-made action plan, in a place identified as a 'coastal recreational area' by the South Malta Local Plan, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority is seeking to better manage the area to include facilities such as caravan and picnic sites. But, at the same time, the same action plan could envisage the sanctioning of some (or all) of the same boathouses, upon which 10 enforcement notices currently apply.