Updates on past stories : bedraggled Xlendi Valley

Abstract

The La Grotta Discotheque case in Xlendi is certainly a perfect illustration of feet-dragging when it comes to the planning process and enforcement. The first enforcement notice served on the premises dates back to 1994 (00263/94) referring to the construction of concrete pillars and roofing without permission. The developer's appeal was initially dismissed in 1995, only for permission to be granted in 1996! So, first blood was drawn by the developer, certainly buoyed by a very strange change of heart by the Planning Authority (today's MEPA). In fact, emboldened by this, the developer decided to start using the premises he illegally built as a disco without even applying for a permit - an enforcement notice was duly issued (00503/97) in 1995 and the case was only deferred to the direct action team in 1997! Incredulity greets one upon hearing that yet another enforcement notice was served (00893/99) referring to illegal extensions to the same building. The developer, very apt now at dilly-dallying which seems to be working wonders, duly appealed in 2000 and the appeal was scheduled to be heard on January 21 this year - four years later!