The Malta Environment and Planning Authority has published for Public Consultation, a Development Brief for the redundant Hal Ferh tourist complex and its immediate surrounding area in Ghajn Tuffieha in order to direct the sustainable planning development and future use of this area. Over the coming six weeks of public consultation, MEPA will be meeting with the local council of the area, NGOs, tourism related agencies and other interested stakeholders with a view to enable that the final plan presented to government for approval, will be one that is based on principles of sustainable development.
Stemming from a policy provision in the North West Local Plan, the brief seeks to promote the redevelopment and reuse of the land for tourism, with the goal to develop in a sustainable manner the site’s environmental and heritage assets. The brief also envisages to provide additional amenity and leisure facilities for visitors and the public, within an overarching goal of rehabilitating the current redundant site.
The draft brief favourably encourages the redevelopment of the former complex into a high quality, family oriented tourism development that will safeguard and complement the sensitive surrounding landscape and countryside, and the existing views. The brief also emphasises that the land-use on this site will be used for tourism-oriented purposes only.
The brief proposes to couple new replacement low-lying and low-density development, with a strong encouragement towards integrating the rehabilitation, promotion and suitable reuse of the former military complex. Emphasis is being placed on the overall design fitting within the rural landscape. Care has been taken not to sprawl outside the existing committed area and no new take-up of agricultural land is contemplated.
The retention of existing mature vegetation is being promoted together with the creation of a landscaping belt around the perimeter of the site. The brief also calls for the proper screening of structures and buildings from external viewpoints, except where this would compromise the setting of historic buildings or buildings of cultural heritage value.
The provision of car-parking, efficient vehicular access and the reduction of traffic impact on the surrounding road network is also being sought. This should improve the existing situation as visitors to the surrounding areas will be benefiting from better parking facilities.
In addition, the brief encourages energy conservation measures both in the conserved structures as well as any new or replacement buildings. Energy conservation measures such as efficient heating and cooling systems, secondary water use through the incorporation of water collection and storage facilities as well as solid waste management and disposal installations are envisaged. Furthermore, the actual design of new buildings is to follow sustainable energy conservation principles.
Hard or digital copies of the development brief may be viewed/purchased from the MEPA offices in Floriana, the Mellieha Local Council or the Authority’s website www.mepa.org.mt.
The public is encouraged to send their comments and suggestions on the development brief to: Director of Planning (Hal Ferh Development Brief), Plan Making and Policy Development Unit, P.O. Box 200, Marsa MRS 1000 or by email to: [email protected]. mt by not later than Friday 31 October.