A planning application proposing, among other things, a looped cycling and jogging track has been filed with the Planning Authority.

The proposal seeks to upgrade existing car parks at Ta' Qali, the formation of a camping site with ancillary facilities, the construction of a looped jogging track that includes underpasses and the construction of looped cycle track that includes underpasses and overpasses.

The application is still at screening stage. "This case reference refers to a Screening Request and contents are not yet regarded as a complete application. The details may be altered drastically, normally to address the issues raised in the Screening Letter issued by the Authority itself. The request may also never reach the full application stage," the application reads.

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage has commented on the proposal. "The site proposed for development includes in large part a tract of the historical Ta Qali Airfield, which was active during the Second World War. Part of the site is also in close proximity (150 meters) to the American Embassy, which was the site of major archaeological discoveries -including rock-cut tombs, human remains and pottery scatter," the Superintendence noted. "Hence, the area has a degree of archaeological potential and the existence of cultural heritage remains within the site footprint cannot be excluded."

"In view of the recorded proximity to archaeological remains to the south of the site, any development as may eventually be approved will be subject to archaeological monitoring." It noted that the application will be subject to more rigorous assessment and scrutiny at a later stage. 

The Environment and Resources Authority has also asked for additional documentation.

 

Key

Red - proposed cycling and jogging track

Yellow - proposed camp site

Blue - proposed car parks