Rendering appeals irrelevant : Wied l-Ghasel development saga

Abstract

The Association of Residents Concerned About Seminary School Expansion (Arcasse) have good reason to be concerned. As the works on the Seminary school extension plough ahead, the association’s appeal to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority risks becoming irrelevant. Just imagine if the permit is withdrawn at the end of a lengthy appeals process just as the school extension nears completion. Faced with such a fait accompli, it is an understatement to say that it is highly unlikely that works on site would be reversed. So as the clock ticks inexorably away and brick is laid upon brick, the appeal’s relevance is whittled away. The recently approved Mepa reform seeks to address such an incongruence – in fact, for those developments falling under Schedule 7, the law provides that from January 1, 2011, the execution of permits shall be automatically suspended for one month (the time limit for appeal).