The Planning Authority has published a revised policy framework for the area of Tal-Bajjad in Qormi with the purpose of addressing the conflicting development patterns which currently exist leading to the deterioration of the quality of life of residents living within the area.
The proposed planning parameters seek to ‘do away’ with the current mixed use zoning approach and alternatively create more specific character areas. This will result in a clearer distinction of land uses. Those sites within the area which today are predominantly taken up by small and medium industrial enterprises will be retained solely for this use, while predominant residential sites will become exclusively zoned for residential purposes. This type of zoning should in the long term help improve the quality of the street environment of these urban areas by reducing incompatible uses.
The Tal-Bajjad Area which has a total area of 0.25km² and is partly located along the major road network route of Triq Hal-Qormi up to Triq il-Kanun was partly zoned as an industrial area in the 1988 Temporary Provision Schemes. In 2006, following the publication of the Central Malta Local Plan the area was designated as a mixed-use area for industrial, commercial, residential purposes. However over time the number of permitted residential and commercial land uses increased, to the extent that the urban character and use-mix of the area has changed substantially from the previous zoning in a number of areas.
While the proposed policy is conscious of the fact that most of the negative issues are in effect a result of operational failures, this review is a commitment to ameliorate on the current situation by controlling deleterious activity, leading to an improved quality of life and increased compatibility between the different land uses in the area.
The full proposed policy guidance document, together with the public submissions received during the initial consultation phase, may be viewed on www.pa.org.mt/public-consultation. Individuals and organisations are invited to send their representation pertaining to the proposed policy in writing through email address: [email protected] by not later than 05th April 2017.