We have just submitted this feedback to the PA as part of the public consultation process leading to the review of Fuel Service Station Policy.
You can send your feedback to the PA via this email address: FSSP_review@pa.org.mt, by Mon 16th July.
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Moviment Graffitti deems that the current process leading to the review of the Fuel Service Station Policy has become a veritable sham, having the sole purpose of stalling time and leaving in place a disastrous fuel stations policy for the longest time possible. This policy is allowing the wanton destruction of natural and agricultural land through the construction of massive so-called petrol stations (read: shopping complexes).
The Planning Authority (PA), instead of immediately taking steps to reform this ridiculous policy has, only now, a full three months after the Environment Minister admitted that the policy is defective and needs to be reviewed, opened a consultation process. This means that, if the revised policy is going to be discussed by a Parliamentary Committee, as is usually the case, a revised policy cannot be approved before October due to summer holidays. New applications for the development of fuel stations can continue being submitted during this period, in addition to the many that are already being processed.
Moviment Graffitti reiterates that there should be no new or relocated fuel stations on ODZ and is in agreement with the recommendations of the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) in this regard. Existing fuel stations in residential areas should be relocated, but this should never happen on ODZ.
With regards to the footprint of new fuel stations, these should not exceed 250m² as this size is more than sufficient for the operations of a fuel station. Moreover, in view of the Government’s commitment to set a cut-off date for the sale of diesel and petrol cars, one should strictly limit the development of new fuel stations. The amount of new fuel stations that can be built should be determined by the needs of the country and the wellbeing of its people, and not the immediate profits of a few individuals.
