Residents have raised concerns about the effects a planning application relating to an apartment complex will have on the stability of a cliff area in Nadur.

The residents raised objections to a planning application which proposes alterations to a development which was approved in 2017. Residents highlight the need for a geological study to examine the fragility of the cliff prior to further excavation.

The development is not directly on the cliff edge where existing dwellings already are situated, but would be behind the row houses situated on the edge, across the road. The residents provided a number of images showing the cliff face related to their concerns.

The already accepted 2017 application called for the excavation of the site, and for the development of 18 apartments at ground, first, and second floors, with five overlying penthouses, including underlying car garages and a communal pool and terrace area.

This 2018 application will namely change the elevations, shift internal wall layouts, see the introduction of three new car spaces at level -1, and the introduction of a lower ground floor level which includes six new apartments.

The site consists of a vacant corner plot located within the limits to development of Nadur (Gozo). The site covers an approximate area of 880sqm and can be accessed from Triq Tax-Xini.

Architect Carmel Cacopardo has objected to this latest development on behalf of a number of residents who live on Triq ix-Xini and Triq tad-Duru.

The objections are made on three grounds. Firstly, “the fragility of the cliff needs to be examined in detail through the submission of a geological study before considering the request to further excavate the area.”

Secondly, they argue that the proposed construction lies almost on the edge of the cliff: “the geology of the area needs to be studied particularly in view of the cracks which have developed through properties in the area, as well as the existence of a cave or caves. As a result of the above the stability of the area is an unknown factor which requires careful examination prior to considering whether to approve the proposed development, which includes excavation works for two levels of garages.”

Thirdly, they note that as a result of minor excavation works already in hand as a result of development which was already granted, “damage has already been identified to properties in the area. This issue had already arisen when the original permit was under consideration and the applicant had, in response to objections raised amended plans. It is further submitted that the matter cannot be viewed only as an issue for the supervising architect in shouldering his civil responsibilities relative to the structural stability of the property which will be developed. The implications are more wide ranging and should be considered as an integral part of this planning application.”

Residents had raised concerns with regards to excavation during the original application accepted in 2017.