An application to construct four terraced houses in Gharghur has raised concern from a number of residents, as well as the local council.
The site in question is off Triq Kromb il-Bahar, partly located inside the development zone, and partly outside.
While the plans indicate that the main part of the construction will be located inside the development zone, plans also show that terraces, pools and landscaping will occur in the part located outside the development zone. The terraced houses would be three-storeys high, with the top floor receeding.
The Gharghur local council, in its representation to the Planning Authority on this application, said: “We are objecting to the development of this site which goes against the Local Plan for Gharghur. The Local Plan clearly states that: ‘Gharghur is a characteristic rural village situated between Naxxar to the west and Madliena to the east. The locality is an important example of a typical village still totally surrounded by rural areas of good quality agricultural land. This provides for the quiet, serene atmosphere found within this locality with abundant green natural areas around it. It is therefore quite different from the neighbouring localities of Mosta and Naxxar that have become heavily urbanized through development. Gharghur still retains a natural delineation all around the village, separating it entirely from surrounding localities. Considering that the whole Local Plan area is highly urbanized, localities like Gharghur provide the rural open spaces that are lacking in other localities.’ The proposed development will ruin the skyline of this picturesque area which is within the Urban Conservation Area and which is located along a valley and along a popular public footpath leading to the Victoria Lines.”
The council argues that, in addition, this proposed development has an alley on one side and a cul-de-sac on the other. “The alley and entrance to the site is less than 3 metres wide and 200 metres long. The area is already very congested and traffic problems here have caused some serious arguments amongst the residents. The development will create havoc in case of an emergency. While the Gharghur local council is objecting to this development, it would also like to be represented on the board which will be taking the decision.”
Residents who spoke with this newsroom showed concern over the use of ODZ land, and over the potential effect on the skyline.
This is not the first time a development on this site has been proposed. Back in 2008, the Planning Authority had approved an outline development permit over part of the site. However the Court backed an appeal, given that the applicant did not file the full development application within the timeframe given after the outline development permit was issued.