08th September 2004

Golf course application would conflict with permit on site

Farmers to be kept out of public hearing

 

Among the many reasons why the golf course proposed for the slopes below the Verdala hotel should be refused is the fact that the farmer who owns the only farmhouse on site, Kola Cassar, has obtained planning permission for a centre for the promotion and co-ordination of organic sustainable agriculture, Friends of the Earth said today.

Cassar, who grows fruit and vegetables organically, applied for a permit in February of 2000 and was eventually given a permit in June of 2003 (PA 00676/00). Friends of the Earth fails to understand how the MEPA case officer fails to point out that a conflict would exist should the golf course permit be approved. Cassar said “there are many reasons why the golf course proposal should be refused, but I have a permit and I don’t see how that can possibly be overturned, the area is perfect for a location where farmers can learn about natural farming methods.”

Cassar also told Friends of the Earth that no farmers were going to be allowed to attend the public meeting tomorrow when a decision about ‘their’ land is to take place – only the farmers’ lawyer has been allowed to attend.

It is absolutely unacceptable that the people that will be most affected by the project will not be able to listen and participate in the discussion that decides their fate. FoE Malta calls on MEPA to allow equal representation of farmers and developer.