Planning Authority Sanctions 20 Illegal Manoel Island Padel Courts And Approves 10 More

The Planning Authority has approved the sanctioning of 20 padel courts that were built illegally on Manoel Island, while also giving the green light for another 10 courts to be developed on the site.

The decision was taken during a Planning Authority board meeting, with members voting 11 in favour and one against.

The application covers the former Nicholl Football Ground and proposes transforming the site into a multi-purpose sports facility that can accommodate either padel courts or a football pitch using removable glass structures.

Works on the courts had already begun months before a permit was issued, prompting complaints from NGOs, residents and campaigners. The Planning Authority eventually ordered works to stop after enforcement officers visited the site.

During Thursday’s meeting, board members criticised the standard €900 sanctioning fine that would normally apply to the illegal development, describing it as “ridiculous”. Instead, the board imposed a €25,000 planning gain contribution as part of the approval.

Objectors, including Moviment Graffitti, Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar and the Manoel Island: Post Għalina campaign, argued that the project should not have been approved, raising concerns over the site’s UNESCO buffer zone, the lack of a heritage impact assessment and the commercial use of publicly reclaimed land.

Campaigners also argued that approving the permit could influence future plans for Manoel Island after the government’s €43 million buyback of the site.

The applicant maintained that the development retains the area’s historic sporting use and said it had the necessary agreement with the landowner at the time the application was submitted.

With the permit now approved, the existing courts will remain in place, while a further 10 padel courts can now be developed on the site.

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Gabriel Falzon

Gabriel Falzon is a social media executive at Lovin Malta, with a keen interest in digital media, local businesses, and the natural world. Outside of work, you’ll often find him baking up a storm, diving into video games, or exploring the endless corners of YouTube.