Updated 15/01/2026
The Environment and Planning Review Tribunal has today rejected the developers’ arguments for appealing the rejection of the Salt Pans project as per the latest Planning Authority Application.
Notwithstanding the welcome news, one needs to still go into the detail of the judgement and also notice that whilst there was recognition of the over 300 objections that were mostly originating from the diving community, the developers’ arguments on this aspect may also be warning bells.
In fact within the judgement, the developer is quoted stating that access by divers’ vehicles is illegal and detrimental on what the developer claims to be private land. Further they mention fencing and blocking of access to vehicles as alternatives to the project. Diving organisations and relevant authorities’ therefore should well consider what other actions may be taken to safeguard but also ensure current access in the long term is maintained in a sustainable manner.
In the EPRTs reasoning for the refusal there is also mention of quotes referred to by the developer from the Strategic Plan for Environment and Development (SPED). Whilst the reasoning of the EPRT stated that these did not apply for the developers’ project, we remark that in terms of access for the diving sites this would be covered in one of the objectives – TO5 – which includes “To ensure that existing recreational resources are protected, enhanced and accessible….”. We think such access clearly falls into this. Do you?
You may read the original full decision (mixed Maltese and English) here:
We have also machine translated the decision to English for non-Maltese readers which you can access here:
Past updates below
Updated 07/01/2026 with future reading of decision date
The EPRT have announced that the date for announcing the decision of this appeal will be on 15 January 2026. This can be followed online, link from our event calendar here.
Updated 29/10/2025 following third EPRT sitting
Small short update on this appeal. Yesterday at the EPRT sitting the developers’ architect did not show up when the case was called for any final remarks. Din l-Art Ħelwa legal representative stressed again on reasons for refusal. Case is now off for final decision by EPRT.
Will update you when we know the decision date / outcome.
Updated 22 July 2025 following second EPRT sitting
In the second sitting at the EPRT, the Chairman of the Tribunal noted a request by the Planning Authority representative for every evidence that the applicant filed at the EPRT to be forwarded to it. The Planning Authority would then have a deadline to present any additional evidence by 10 September 2025 and for the next sitting (hopefully the final one) to be held on the 28 October at 15:30.
Updated 03/06/2025 following first EPRT sitting
In the Environmental Planning Review Tribunal first sitting held today, nothing much really happened, save for PA having to file response by 20 June 2025 and for the case to be heard again on the 22 July at 15:30 for conclusion of evidence to be considered by the Tribunal.
The Appeal letter on behalf of the developer presented tot he Tribunal states the following:
As you can see, the developers’ arguments are based mainly on the presence of other (mostly disused) salt pans in the area. We also note that the developer claims it would increase landscape value in the area… although whether it is in beauty or pockets is not exactly specified. Everyone would love to have some saltpans by the sea instead of bare limestone, right? Maybe add a room later to harvest the salt too as in the original applications twice submitted to even increase the “landscape value”?
We shall monitor the case in the next sitting and keep you up to date.
Original post from 14/04/2025
In another twist to the long saga of attempts to get permits for digging up new Salt Pans in the North of Gozo, which last month was again flatly rejected by the Planning Authority for the second time, an appeal has been filed. Objections from divers stem both from the fact that it is new development in an unspoilt bit of coast as well as that it will block access to two dive sites. More information about the proposed salt pans here
Reminder to all previously registered objectors that only another working day is available to register interest in attending appeals board in front of the Planning and Environment revision tribunal. Guess developers are again counting to pass this unnoticed… we signed up, are you?
Email info@eprt.org.mt stating your name and postal address ( because they need to make it harder so to discourage protests, right?) and quote “Appell Nru. 113/25 Referenza: PA 8292/24”.
The appeal sitting will be held on the 3 June 2025 at 15:30 . Apparently a livestream will also be available at https://www.eprt.org.mt/wpstream/eprt-live/ for registered objectors who ask to be involved in the appeal.
