The Malta Environment and Planning Authority has published for public consultation a development brief for the area known as Il-Ghirghien in Birzebbuga, as required by the Development Planning Act (1992), in order to encourage integrated planning of future development in this area.

The brief is generally based on provisions contained in a number of policies in the Marsaxlokk Bay Local Plan (approved in 1995), in particular, Policy MB 18 and MB22.

The recommended development directions in the document are residential, social and community facilities, open spaces, and recreational land.

Policy MB18 encourages a degree of mixed development, taking into account the provision of public/community-related facilities in the area. The various new open spaces/green areas, including sports facilities, recommended in the brief, are to remain accessible to the public in order to strengthen community identity and perhaps contribute to a greater integration of Tal-Papa housing area and residential areas flanking Wied il-Qoton.

A pastoral centre, located on a site flanking Triq ic-Cief and Triq il-Port Hieles, is being planned together with other community facilities (elderly centre, childcare and facilities for social organisations). The protection of historic-cultural features in the area as well as the creation of recreational walkways/jogging paths, and soft landscaping (particularly in the vicinity of Triq il-Port Hieles) are also envisaged by the brief.

An assessment of any identified structures/buildings, having cultural importance and of land which may contain agricultural and ecological value, is a requirement prior to any development commencing around or within the respective sites included within the brief.

Traffic management is also seen as an important component, in view of the recommended contextual setup outlined above.

To this effect, a re-definition of the current street classification system in the area (where appropriate) and a series of junction improvements, are required. In particular, these measures entail the downgrading of Triq il-Port Hieles as well as improvements on a number of junctions affecting the area.

The brief also addresses flooding problems in the area by making provision for improved structures within the context of development planned for the area.

Copies of the development brief may be viewed at or purchased from the MEPA offices in Floriana, Birzebbuga local council or the authority’s website, www.mepa.org.mt.

Comments and suggestions which may be considered in the development brief for this area are to be sent to:

Malta Environment and Planning Authority, Director of Planning, Il-Ghirghien Development Brief, St. Francis Ravellin, Floriana CMR 02 or by email to ghirghien@ mepa.org.mt by not later than Wednesday, 31 October.