Marco Gaffarena has not yet given up on obtaining a permit for his sprawling illegal villa in Żebbuġ and is now trying to obtain a permit claiming it will be a sheep farm, despite not being registered as a farmer.
Gaffarena’s wife, Josielle, has requested the Planning Authority (PA) to issue a permit that would allow the couple to transform their property into a fully operational sheep farm to produce cheeselets (ġbejniet).
This marks the latest chapter in a 17-year-long saga to obtain some form of legal recognition for their illegal development.
Gaffarena and his wife converted a vast area of arable land into their residence, including a nearly 400-square-metre villa, a pool, extensive gardens, and even a ‘zoo’ housing llamas, zebras, and other exotic animals.
The Agricultural Advisory Committee has opposed the proposal, stating that Josielle Gaffarena is not registered as a farmer and lacks any experience in sheep rearing. The Environment and Resources Authority has also objected.
The application, referenced as PA00605/25, is expected to be published for consultation this week.
The entire development has continued to expand its footprint despite an enforcement order issued 17 years ago imposing daily fines.
The fines are capped at €50,000, and Gaffarena has not paid a cent.
Inside Gaffarena’s illegal development.
Meanwhile, he has continued to develop his illegal residence since 2004 based on planning permission meant for stables.
In 2020, the Planning Authority rejected Gaffarena’s application to regularise the illegal structures.
The Environment and Planning Review Tribunal upheld this decision in 2022.
Gaffarena then complained about the penalties imposed, but instead of submitting his complaint to the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal, he took the case to court, alleging that his fundamental rights had been violated. The court dismissed his claims.
It’s astonishing how long this charade has dragged on. Trying to disguise a luxury villa—with a pool, gardens, and exotic animals—as a sheep farm is not just a mockery of planning laws, but of every genuine farmer who follows the rules. The Planning Authority’s consistent refusal is commendable, but the fact that enforcement has failed for 17 years—and not a single fine has been paid—highlights a systemic weakness. Why should anyone respect the law if those with means can bend it this far without consequence?
This shows how useless the Maltese authorities actually are. Capped fines, no enforcement and Zero political will to change a thing
But for the bullies only not for normal people.for us the laws work from first minute
Din l istorja SE ticpicca bhal POMPA TAL PETROL NAHSEB.
XORTA GHADIT TIEGHI
Not only the petrol station. But also the taparsi wimery at Tas-Salib, limits of Rabat, which ended up as a villa with swimming pool, serving as the residence of one of the Gaffarenas. Although illegally built, it has been provided with electricity and water services.
“Tutti uguali” my left foot.😮
Niextieq imur naghmel kors kif nahleb in naghag ghandhom halli imbghad napplika ghal razzett jien