Plans for a new ODZ petrol station proposed by Halmann Vellsix Group Ltd in Mgarr have been decreed by the Environmental Resources Authority as “unacceptable”.

Plans submitted by the developers foresee the development of fully fledged cafeteria with its own kitchen and dining area with 25 table covers.

Halmann Vellsix is subsidiary of the Halmann Group which was one of seven donors who donated €10,000 to the Labour Party in 2016.

The Planning Authority (PA) recently approved a petrol station in Marsaskala whose owners had donated €20,000 to the Labour Party in 2016.

The proposed fuel station which also includes a car wash and an auto-parts shop is being proposed along Triq Temi Zammit between Mosta and Mgarr.

In its first assessment of the application presented in August last year the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) warned that the proposed interventions will result in the deterioration of the landscape of the area.

According to ERA approval of this application would see the introduction of new commercial-type activities including a cafeteria which are not compatible with the surrounding natural area.

But ERA’s word is not final and the PA has approved two ODZ petrol stations, one in Burmarrad and one in Marsaskala despite ERA’s objections.

The developers have been asked to start preparations for an Environment Impact Assessment.

The site, located opposite the Valle Verde farm outlet and a short distance from a quarry on the same side of the road, is being earmarked for the development of a huge fuel station, auto parts shop, car wash and cafeteria over a 6,793m2 site.

The approved policy on petrol stations only allows new petrol stations within, opposite or adjacent to designated industrial and storage areas and Areas of Containment. In this case the petrol station is located opposite a land location designated for the construction of “hydroponic systems for the growing of plants” and for “pesticide stores”.

A previous application presented by Vella to develop a petrol station on the same site was refused in 2009.

Note: 

The Shift had reported that  ”Halmann Vellsix is subsidiary of the Halmann Group which was one of seven donors who donated €10,000 to the Labour Party in 2016.”

The statement was based on the fact that the donation was registered by the Labour Party as being from Halmann Holdings of which Halmann Vellsix is a share holder. This was also reported in the media.

Subsequently Halmann Vellsix has sent us correspondence showing that the donation was made by  Halmann Vella Limited

The company has different directors and shareholders. This was reported in a subsequent article.