The best use for 'disused land'

Abstract

A particular Outside Development Zone application submitted last June caught my eye in view of the paternalistic way in which it sweetens what is essentially development on virgin land. PA 07315/07 proposed the construction of garages for large vehicles and ancillary offices on disused land, along Triq Duramblat in Mosta. While farmers in the UK and elsewhere in Europe are paid to maintain their plots in a natural state and not embark in any farming activity, local developers justify their ODZ proposals by denigrating the land in question. This is typical of the rampant Mediterranean perception that land in its natural state is essentially 'wasteland' - unfortunately, such warped rationale is most prevalent in farming communities locally and especially in Gozo. Should we convert all swathes of garigue and other natural habitat to farmland from now on to avert developers setting their eyes on such land?