Front Ħarsien ODZ and Nature Trust said it is objecting to plans to develop a nine-storey residential complex on the site of the former Halland Hotel in Tal-Ibraġġ, facing Wied Għomor.

In a statement, the Front said it is not against the re-development of the site of the present Halland hotel but is concerned by the fact that the imposing  new structure abuts directly on the valley.

The two NGOs expressed concern on the visual impact of the new building on valley views.

“The redevelopment of older structures should be an opportunity to minimise the visual and environmental impact and not to increase it.  Unfortunately the trend is for developers to propose bigger and more intrusive structures when replacing old ones.”

Moreover they highlighted the importance of keeping a buffer zone between valleys and residential and tourism development. 

“Presently the pool area creates a visual buffer zone between the valley and the hotel.  Since the site is now being redeveloped this could represent an opportunity for the developers to give back something to the local community by creating a public landscaped area while using the footprint of the existing building.”

We also call on the PA to ensure that a public pathway which currently provides pedestrian access is retained, the front said.