Planning Authority turns down application for warehouses by Mark Gaffarena

An application by Mark Gaffarena to construct warehouses at Triq IlMadonna Tad-Dawl, Kirkop, was rejected by the Planning Authority yesterday.

The application would have seen 33 warehouses constructed on two levels. The site has an approximate area of 2,887 sqm, and is outside the limits of development. While the site would allow agricultural usage, the applicant’s architect, Giorgio Schembri, argued that other areas close by have already been developed, mentioning ST Microelectronics as an example.

The Tourism Ministry, in a 2014 letter, had objected to the application, arguing that the site is just a few metres away from the airport perimeter, and that the zone is marked as a potential site for future aviation related development. The ministry had also noted that the SPED includes a provision for safeguarding land around the airport for the growth of aviation activities and the logistics sector. The ministry expressed concern that if this development application were to be upheld it would go counter to government’s objectives of making aviation an economic development growth area.

Transport Malta also objected, citing that the area is to be retained for aviation related development. The Environment Ministry objected to the development from an agricultural point of view.

The applicant argued that there are areas within the airport itself, such as Skyparks, that host businesses that do not have much to do with aviation. The applicant also argued that warehousing forms part of the logistics sector.

The application was denied.