The Guardian of Future Generations has expressed itself publicly ahead of the Planning Authority decision on the proposed DB Group City Centre development project on the ITS site in Pembroke.

The Planning Authority Board is set to hear the heavily criticised project's application this Thursday

The Guardian is established by law under the Sustainable Development Act with a mandate as an independent overseer in the implementation of sustainable development policy in Malta. The board is composed of four members: a Chairperson, who is appointed by the Prime Minister, and three members, appointed by the Minister responsible and who respectively have knowledge of and experience in the environmental voluntary organisations sector and environmental matters; in commerce, economy and industry; and, in social and community affairs.  

In a statement, The Guardian said that it "has been closely monitoring ongoing issues related to the construction industry including the City Centre project proposal.  The considerable public outcry surrounding this project cannot, surely, be ignored.  We believe that the residents' concerns are more than justified."

"Like Townsquare before it and several other major construction projects, City Centre is a sad reminder of the grave anxiety and helplessness that many ordinary people experience when having to deal with developments of this kind.  The Guardian observes that the public should be more properly empowered through the various authorities to ensure that its rights are safeguarded when faced with a construction onslaught next door."

"The unprecedented economic growth trend experienced in recent years through which various sectors benefit is commendable and the construction industry has played, and can still play, a very crucial role in it.  However, even the most lucrative economic boom needs to be managed.  Excesses by the construction industry do not just undermine the aesthetic, landscape, infrastructural and environmental integrity of the country as a whole but public health is easily compromised, both physical and mental. "

The Guardian appreciates the complexity of the planning process upon which deliberations on City Centre and other projects similar to it are based.  "Any planning decision will always carry its repercussions."

"As matters stand, the Guardian must express its unfavourable opinion on the City Centre proposal.  The development is being submitted for the green light in the complete absence of a framework masterplan for the area that should be meant to provide both planners and the public with a holistic development vision for the area.  This is a grave matter that undermines the rigour of the technical planning process at practically all levels. "

"The Guardian understands that there shall be a residual impact to contend with should the project get underway.  It is expected that any mitigation measures identified in the impact assessment process should prove satisfactory enough and implemented to the desired effect.  The onus lies squarely with the developers and the competent authorities.  They cannot fail and should be held fully accountable," the statement read.

"The prospects for more high-rise buildings such as City Centre have gained more traction in recent years, perhaps a foreseeable outcome in the current economic scenario.  Nonetheless, the Guardian is not at all convinced that under the present planning policy set-up there has been enough analysis supporting the view that such projects comply as they should with Malta's sustainable development needs for now and into the future."

"A more robust overall sustainability policy process is needed that not only places ordinary citizens at its centre but that also provides strong mechanisms for reasonable compensation in cases where residents experience adversities - such as an unwanted shadowing effect from high-rises - that may occur from development projects. The Guardian appeals to all stakeholders to substantially weigh in the concerns of the affected residents in the forthcoming deliberations on City Centre.  They should not just be heard; they have to be reassured that their quality of life shall not be diminished in any way.  We trust that this call does not fall on deaf ears."