The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) has published for public consultation an Environment and Development Brief for the Marsaxlokk Inner Harbour Area, primarily pertaining to the zone around Triq tal-Wilga, Xatt is-Sajjieda and parts of a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) including the area around the Hunters Tower Restaurant.

With an emphasis on improving the tourism product, the proposed Brief sets out development parameters for the area’s regeneration. These development parameters seek to compliment and enhance the environmental value of the area including safeguarding certain areas of ecological and scientific interest.

While the site area is already covered by three primary planning policies, MM07, MM08 and MM14, the Marsaxlokk local plan also identifies this area as an “Opportunity Area” whereby the preparation of an environment and development brief is required.

The Brief sub-divides the ‘opportunity area’ into 5 zones.  Zone A which is located on the northernmost part of the area, closest to the Tas-Silġ residential area, is proposed to remain safeguarded as agricultural land. The important salt marsh at il-Maghluq, classified as Zone B, situated in the heart of the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) will be regulated through a specific management plan which is being prepared for this area.

In Zone C which primarily includes the Urban Conservation Area of this area, the Authority will seek to safeguard and enhance the existing two floor streetscape of Triq tal-Wilga while further encourage land uses related to the tourism infrastructure including tourism accommodation. This zone also encompasses the Hunters Tower area, for which the draft is considering tourism related uses including tourism accommodation in this area. With the area forming part of the SAC, such uses should incorporate a visitor and interpretation centre. In order to safeguard the saline marshlands, a soft landscaping buffer is proposed to be created between this ecologically sensitive area and any proposed development. An appropriate assessment will be required as part of the planning process for any development application within this area.

The open space area across the properties in Triq tal-Wilga, marked as Zone D in the brief, is identified as an area which needs to be upgraded and better managed to complement the various other uses proposed for this opportunity area. In view of the close proximity to the berthing area, the operational requirements of the fishermen should be enhanced and safeguarded.

Any future development to be carried out in Zone E which includes the berthing area at il-Menqa should safeguard the needs of fishermen and enhance the fishing industry.

In September 2013, the Authority had published the proposed objectives which were to guide the formulation of this proposed Brief. The Authority is publishing the submissions it had received from the public and other stakeholders, related to the proposed objectives.

The Marsaxlokk Inner Habour Environment and Development Brief can be viewed on the MEPA's website www.mepa.org.mt/public-consultation. 

MEPA invites individuals and organizations to send in their submissions related to this Environment and Development Brief. Representations are to be made in writing to the:

Director of Planning
Marsaxlokk Inner Harbour Area
Forward Planning Unit
P.O. Box 200, Marsa GPO 01

or on the email address: [email protected]

 

Submissions must be sent to the Authority by not later than 28th February 2015.