The fresh plans filed by the DB Group do not in any way address the concerns about the huge negative impact on the quality of life and the environment by the proposed project on the ex-ITS site, local councils and NGOs said today.
Changes in the revised plans include a slight reduction in the tower height but no significant changes in the massive height and width of the hotel. It is to be noted that residents’ concerns about being “buried alive” relate primarily to this monstrous hotel structure which, due to its height combined with its vast width, will overshadow the locality and throw the thousands of residents living across the road into permanent darkness. Nothing has changed in this regard, the statement said.
There have also been no significant changes in the nature of the project and the activity that it will create. With the revised plans, Paceville will still invade Pembroke and Swieqi since the project will generate incessant and overwhelming commercial activity in an area that was designated by Government itself as a residential one.
Moreover, such activity will create more pressure for similar commercial development in Pembroke and Swieqi in the near future. The project also continues to pose a threat to the two adjacent Natura 2000 sites as well as the Ħarq Ħamiem Cave, both during the construction phase as well as during the operational one.
The DB project on the site of the former ITS in Pembroke has attracted widespread opposition and the greatest number of official objections ever recorded, the statement said. 5,000 people objected to the first application, and 6,000 people objected to the second proposal after the Courts revoked the permit to start building. We recognise that meetings with the Pembroke Local Council have led to revised plans with more proposed open space, among other improvements, as well as a revised excavation plan. However, the project as proposed in these revised plans remains totally out of proportion and out of context, and the people will continue fighting against this threat to their quality of life and the environment.
The public has until 26 June to object to the Planning Authority against the DB revised plans. In the coming days, we will be filing our objection and informing the public on how it can object to this monstrous and damaging project, the NGOs and local councils said.
The press statement was signed by: the Pembroke Local Council, the St. Julian’s Local Council, the Swieqi Local Council, Bicycle Advocacy Group, BirdLife Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Friends of the Earth Malta, Isles of the Left, Moviment Graffitti, Nature Trust Malta, The Archaeological Society of Malta, Żminijietna - Voice of the Left.
Db Group reaction
In response, a spokesperson for the db Group said: “It is mind-boggling that the Pembroke Local Council endorsed the NGO’s press release criticizing our db City Centre project proposed for St George’s Bay, St Julian’s.”
“Late last year, the Pembroke Local council voted 4-1 to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with us as the project proponents declaring that they are in favour. One of the four councilors who voted in favour, was none other than the current Mayor, Dean Hili.”
“It is therefore incomprehensible that the Pembroke Local Council came out against the project now that all their concerns, bar none, have been addressed and the project is much smaller than when they signed the MoU in favour last year.”
“It is even more incomprehensible that whoever decided to endorse the press release against our project did so even though the Council is scheduled to take a vote on the matter.)”