The Planning Authority today approved an application regarding the redevelopment of an existing Concrete production plant into an industrial park including an administration block, industrial spaces, and a carpark, on Triq Burmarrad, Naxxar.
The site lies within an area reserved for general industry, storage and distribution and boatyards. The site in question is a concrete production plant, covering a floor area of c. 28,700m².
The application for redevelopment into an industrial park consists of a basement storage and distribution area covering c. 12,000m², three levels of basement parking covering a total area of c. 11,436m², and industrial garages at ground floor covering an area of c. 12,760m². A retail outlet and administration offices compliment the complex.
The case officer’s report read, with regard to excavation works, that “the site lies within the buffer zone for an ancient tomb, discovered in 2010. Reference to the description of the constraint states that the area deemed by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage to be of archaeological sensitivity in view of its location and the discovering of a tomb in 2010 filled with ancient pottery. Any excavation works in the area are to be supervised by an approved archaeologist. Notwithstanding this statement, no consultations were carried out with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage in view that the processing of this application was initiated prior to the discovery of the tomb. In this regard, a condition is being included to ensure that the SCH is notified during the processing of works.”
One condition imposed, is that In the event of an accidental discovery in the course of approved works, any cultural heritage feature discovered should not be damaged or disturbed and the Superintendence is to be immediately informed of such discovery. “Any cultural heritage features discovered are to be investigated, evaluated and protected in line with the Cultural Heritage Act.” The discovery of cultural heritage features may require amendment of approved plans.
The Case Officer’s report read that the south-western extent of the site is directly adjacent to Wied ta’ Santa Katerina, part of the Wied il-Ghasel valley system. “Level 3 and level 4 scheduling of an Area of Ecological Importance affect the land behind the site in question. Through consultation with the ERA, a landscaping plan was requested. The required plan was submitted, which indicates that a 30m landscaped strip will be located along the southwestern boundary of the site, overlooking the valley system, which also includes details of tree species and walls. This was submitted, and subsequently accepted by ERA. The ERA also noted that the proposal qualifies for an Environmental Registration and a Nature Permit with ERA’s Environmental Permitting Unit, and that should the development be approved, conditions apply. These will form part of the permit conditions.”
Three objection letters were submitted, one of which was by Din L-Art Helwa, asking whether the plant is obsolete. “No further application for a new plant on unspoilt land should be entertained at a later date on this site which covers an area of 27,000m². DLH is concerned regarding the location in terms of screening overlooking ODZ, over development in view of full basement floors being proposed, the visual impact of the project, and that the extent of the development as a percentage should be established by PA in order to allow for soft landscaped areas.”
The Case Officer has recommended that the project be approved.
