A proposal by Mepa for fuel stations outside development zones not to exceed three tumoli (3000 sq m) of land has not, as yet, been accepted by government, Mepa chief executive officer Johann Buttigieg told the Parliamentary Environment and Development Planning Committee today.

Mr Buttigieg said that fuel station policies had hitherto been regulated by the Structure Plan, until the recent policy for the relocation of fuel stations outside urban areas.

A balance had been found by relocating fuel stations from urban areas to ODZ while new fuel stations would be located in industrial areas. No fuel stations would be allowed in Natura 2000 sites and other sensitive areas.

Paul Agius Delicata, chief executive officer of Gasco Energy (Liquigas), said his company was planning to make gas cylinders available for sale from fuel stations and ad hoc outlets.

Mr Buttigieg said that this was not being considered in the current policy proposal. With the proposal coming so late, he said, that this has to be studied even in view of the Seveso requirements.

The chairman and the members of the committee directed Mepa to study the matter in detail and report the findings to the committee.

Alfred Baldachino for Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar complained that the policy has scant regard for the protection of biodiversity and the general care for the environment.