The db Group’s ITS project is now tied to confirmation by Transport Malta that the current road network is adequate to cater for the generation of traffic by the development, the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal decided today

The Environment and Planning Review Tribunal today decided on the db Group’s ITS site project appeal.  What was undoubtedly one of the most controversial decisions taken by the Planning Authority in recent years had been appealed by seventeen appellants including residents, NGOs and three local councils – Pembroke, St. Julian’s and Swieqi

While a large number of objections were rejected by the tribunal, a few were upheld. NGOs following the project highlighted that Transport Malta officials themselves had already said the existing infrastructure is not adequate, and is why a tunnel had been proposed.

While coming out in favour of the permit which was issued by the PA allowing the project, it has ordered some changes, including an increase of 265.5 sqm of public open space, a reduction of 10m in the tower height and a reduction of 8m in the height of the other main building. It is unclear, at this stage, how this would affect the situation with regards to the current road infrastructure and whether it would be adequate for the development. The PA Board secretary will then have 30 days from the presentation of the amended plans and documents to, if they conform with this decision and conditions, reissue the development permission. The Tribunal also included an addition to one of the conditions in the compliance completion certificate, which will be presented to the PA prior to the issue of any compliance certificate on any part of this development, in relation to that part of the building. The addition requires: "certification from Transport Malta confirming that the existing road network infrastructure is adequate to cater for the generation of traffic by the development in accordance with the conclusions of the Traffic Impact Assessment."

The development originally proposed an overall gross floor area of 109,919 square metres set into the following main components:  An 18-storey hotel with an overall area of 51,417 sqm; A 38-storey tall building with 1,090 sqm retail area and 32,713 sqm residential area;  A shopping mall with an 18,753 sqm commercial area; offices with an area of 3,232 sqm; and an entertainment areas covering 3,604 sqm.

Members of the public, as well as NGOs and the local councils had argued on a number of points against the project during PA stage, including the load on the current infrastructure this project would create, the density of development in the area, pollution, and the problems this project would create for the surrounding localities. In total, over 4,000 objections were filed during the planning stage.

Pembroke Mayor Dean Hili, who spoke with this newsroom ahead of the appeal decision, had highlighted that the infrastructure is the council’s major concern.

After the decision, a number of NGOs delivered a statement, highlighting that they need to study the decision. Andre Callus from Moviment Graffitti said that the Tribunal ordered significant changes to the design of the project, and emphasised on the Transport Malta situation

They are still going to consider their options regarding the decision, but will begin taking legal court action from tomorrow. Through this decision, FAA Coordinator Claire Bonello said that the building height is still massive for that locality. 

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