Truth may not be self-evident but it is demonstrable : the case for the construction of a touristic project at Ramla l-Ħamra, Gozo

Abstract

This paper addresses the development applications which were granted planning consent for the construction of a tourist complex along the side of Ramla l- Ħamra valley—the clay slope beneath the mythical Calypso Cave in which Homer’s Odysseus was allegedly held—a unique site of cultural and ecological significance. A third-party objector set up SaveRamla, an environmental, non-governmental committee, to challenge these applications. Once granted, this multi-million euro project was widely supported by the national planning and environment regulator and given significant coverage on state media, including a debate on a prime programme. Based on planning legislation, the third-party objector proved that the outline permit on which the full permit was grounded contained false, misleading or incorrect information which had material bearing on the issuance of same. Both permits were subsequently revoked, a decision confirmed at the appeal stage. The relevance of this case study to contemporary literature on development planning is outlined. It concludes by arguing that (i) development planning history is imperative to document the evolution of the planning process over time; (ii) incorrect declaration of ownership is sufficient for revocation of planning consent; and (iii) incomplete application leads to a decision that is informationally disabled.