As the debate on the new development boundaries continues, it is interesting to analyse the land that will eventually go the way of the developer’s axe. In last week’s issue, we discussed Msida and also included a follow up on Zebbiegh with some newly acquired photographs that revealed some beautiful rock cut chambers, which drew the attention of Keith Buhagiar, a noted archaeologist and researcher on rural architecture and water irrigation systems.
“The rock-cut chambers shown in the photo appear to be animal pens. Such structures are difficult to date because they would very probably have remained in use till the turn of the last century. Their presence in the area is nonetheless interesting and measures should be taken to ensure that their surrounding landscape is appropriately studied,” he told The Malta Independent on Sunday.
Naxxar – Salina – Bahar ic-Caghaq
The large, sprawling locality of Naxxar has grown substantially over the past years and now includes the small suburb of Salina and the rapidly growing village of Bahar-ic-Caghaq. MEPA has published four maps of each locality with Naxxar split into North and South. On-site photographs of the areas being lost to development (including an abandoned quarry) are being reproduced here for more clarity.
Site B looks like upmarket properties in Triq id-Dejma (the long disputed Tal-Wej area) will be condemned to lose what may be Malta’s best view of St Paul’s Islands with Maghtab conveniently out of sight.
Further research has revealed that pressure has been mounting over the years for this site and the adjoining Site A to be developed:
Case notes:
October 2001 – Application to lay 600m water main over existing terrain outside scheme by Ing. Antoine Riolo obo the Water Services Corp. Recommended decision to grant the permit was dismissed by the board.
A source observed that the Case Officer’s notes may reveal whether the reason for dismissal was garigue habitat, in which case this argument could legally be imposed on the proposed extension as an existing precedent precluding development according to planning law.
October 2001 – Trenching without permit pending development permit Charles Gafa under enforcement order ECF 01111/01
Dumping of waste material and land reclamation without permit ECF 01107/01
PA04512/96 – Site at Tal-Wej, limits of Naxxar, to construct a semi-detached villa. Applicant: Mr Joseph Hall, Architect: Mr George Pullicino.
Case Category: Not applicable.
The above application was refused. An interesting observation pointed out by a source assisting this newspaper in the research of these stories, is that the Case Category reads “Not applicable” instead of “Outside Scheme”.
Anyway, Mepa seems to have caught it so the permit was refused. However, it is now being proposed that the site be included in the scheme according to the new development boundaries.
Between Site A and Site B proposed at Naxxar, which almost touch, application PA 6892/95 for a school was turned down. It is still not clear whether the new zones could perhaps encourage the owner to re-apply for the school to be built.
Site C is relatively small and is one of the post public consultation draft proposals.
A villa with pool, which carries Enforcement Notice ECF00592/93, has now been sanctioned and is safely within the zone on this site.
The photographs on this page show various tracts of land that will now be developed. It must be noted that there are some garigue features and rural structures that should at least be preserved.
Nothing much seems to have been added here except for the natural closing off of the zone in the area close to the Mosta Technopark. However, when one examines the Appendix map for this area, there is a rather sizeable pocket of land that seems to only partially qualify according to Cabinet criteria. It does seem rather close to existing buildings, which have been identified as the Higher Secondary and MCAST (former Technical School), and its inclusion cannot be explained so far.
Again, there is nothing too startling here except for some buildings that were outside the development zone and have now been included in the scheme.
A tract of land close to residential properties, which fully satisfies Cabinet criteria, is being proposed for development (it is a government submission). The photograph shows that the land is still being used for agricultural purposes and it would be a pity to lose it.
Next week we will discuss Luqa and Qrendi (with the new updated maps). Comments and queries to [email protected]