Ta’ Masrija Action Group, a residents’ association of the Ta’ Masrija area in Mellieha, has concluded and submitted to the Malta Planning and Environment Authority a petition, consisting of 892 signatures, against the proposed development at Ta’ Masrija
The signatories are calling on MEPA to consider a series of concerns arising out of the proposed development, which, if approved, will have an adverse impact on the quality of life of the neighbourhood and of Mellieha in general.
The 463-unit development consists of several blocks ranging from seven to 10 storeys high from the highest point of Ta’ Masrija Street (12 to 15 storeys off the Mellieha bypass).
Besides the excessive heights being proposed in an area where the maximum permissible development cannot exceed three floors, signatories are also concerned that the high buildings will block out the sun in the neighbourhood, will invade the neighbourhood’s privacy given that the high buildings will abut directly onto the existing streets, and that the design of the proposed buildings does not respect the topography of the area and will negatively affect the economic value of the present buildings.
The proposed development, situated a few metres away from the “Natura 2000” Mizieb Valley, will increase pollution in the area both during construction as well as after the project is completed.
Moreover, in an opinion issued last July by MEPA’s own Director of Planning, it was noted that the Directorate does not have a positive outlook on the proposed height in the area. The Directorate is also inclined to agree with a development that meets the current height limits of three floors.
The Action Group is asking MEPA and those concerned with the consideration of this application to take note of the 892 signatories who are genuinely objecting to this development and looks forward to a decision that reflects the view of its Directorate of Planning and eventually decides against the project as proposed.
The Action Group firmly believes that the proposed development is not fair and considerate of the present residents of Ta’ Masrija and of Mellieha – more so considering its excessive heights – and its approval would create a dangerous planning precedent for the nearby areas.