An application proposing the construction of a Lidl supermarket in Zebbug, which includes a car park on land located outside the development zone, has been recommended for approval by the Planning Directorate

This full development permission application is to demolish all existing structures – belonging to a disused factory, the excavation of a basement, the construction of an underground car park and a ground floor supermarket.

Part of the site in question is located within an Area of Containment and the rest of the site is located outside the limits for development of Zebbug. The site (the old SMW Cortis building) is located on the corner between Mdina Road and Attard Road.

“The total site area has an approximate area of 13,846m². The present building footprint is 2,095m² which is approximately 15% site coverage. The approved footprint is 4,579m² (33.1% site coverage) and the proposed footprint is 2,200m² (15.9% site coverage). The buildings are surrounded by a total area of 3,106sqm of landscaping, equivalent to 22.4% of site area. The remaining area shall consist of circulation space between the buildings and includes parking spaces and turning circles for the trailers and vehicles,” the case officer’s report reads.

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage noted that the site is adjacent to a Grade 1 scheduled Windmill, known as il-Mitħna ta’ Srina. Some historical rural structures are also present within the site boundary. It noted that most of the site footprint is undeveloped and covered in soil thus increasing the possibility of the survival of archaeological remains. It said, however, that there is no objection to the proposed development subject to conditions.

The report also notes that “an email correspondence was received from Lands Authority stating that the proposed development incorporates Government Owned property. Part of the site located on the west is presently a road/lay-bye which is government owned and open for use by the public. This part of the site is proposed form part of the surface car park. Following request for clarification with regards to ownership, the architect submitted a no objection from the Lands Authority subject that no works on the Government owned land can take place until the sale of this land is concluded. This is included as supporting document in the list of conditions.”

While being recommended for approval, the application did receive a number of objections, over the takeup of ODZ land, the possibility that the project could increase traffic, among other things.