The Planning Authority today refused an application for an elderly home on land located outside the development zone in Vittoriosa, despite the mayor arguing the need for such a home in the locality.

The proposed facility would have consisted of 98 beds spread over 49 rooms, over four levels above ground, together with a number of miscellaneous facilities, the case officer’s report read. The proposal also included two basement levels. The site area is circa 2,770 square metres, and the proposed development shall occupy a building footprint of approximately 1,178 square metres and an approximate gross floor area of 10,333square metres

The site is located outside the development boundaries of Birgu and comprises of small derelict structures surrounded by land partly covered by soil and vegetation. The site has a frontage on Triq Guzeppi Decelis, and is in a zone considered to be an Area of High Landscape Value of the Harbour Fortifications, in an area of scientific/ecological importance.

The environment and Resources Authority had argued that this proposal is objectionable from an environmental point of view as it will take up natural land resulting in the intensification of urban-type development, and it will result in the uprooting of a considerable number of trees.

The Planning Directorate had noted that, considering that the site falls outside the development zone within an Area of Scientific Importance/Area of Ecological Importance, “the issue was discussed by the Planning Directorate where it was concluded that although the SPED allows the consideration of homes for elderly outside development zones where no feasible alternative exists, this site can never be acceptable from a planning point of view as it is protected from development.”

The case officer had recommended that the project be refused.

During the PA Board hearing, Architect Charles Buhagiar said that the local plan designates the site as an Urban Conservation Area, not a rural area. He argued that elderly homes are an infrastructural requirement today, and highlighted the lack of space for the elderly in the site’s area. He said that the council had conducted a site exercise, and said that there exists nowhere in Birgu, within the fortifications to construct a home for the elderly, “and thus you have to go outside the fortifications.”

He argued that a site selection exercise should have taken place, and not as happened, not occurred because the Planning directorate argues that it cannot be accepted in principle.

John Boxall, Birgu Mayor, said that Birgu is an aged population city. He said that they even want to ask the education minister to give a former school to them to use as an elderly home but was refused, as it is being used for other purposes. He said that the council, since 1995, has been concerned about the aging population.  He said that unfortunately when the council tried to get a home built, their proposals were refused. He said that there are big buildings in Birgu, but are being used. He also said that some of their former elderly residents even had to go as far as St Paul’s Bay to be in a home. He said that the council are in favour of this application and also said that the site is currently abandoned, and people are dumping on it.

ERA’s Victor Asciak, said that he has no doubt the council is doing all it can to help the elderly in their locality, however said that this development goes against multiple policies, and cannot, with any stretch  of the imagination, see how the board can go against those policies. He said that he has in no way been convinced to go against the refusal recommendation. The Planning directorate argued that the site is UCA yes, but it is still on ODZ land.

The PA board voted to refuse the application, with only the Mayor voting for the project to be approved.