Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) has submitted its objection to an application that proposes the construction of 31 apartments close by to the Ggantija temples.

The application proposes the demolition of a dwalling and the construction of the apartment block, complete with 20 basement garages, on Gigantija Heights, Triq il-Parsott, Xagħra.

“This application not only destroys the characteristic Gozitan vernacular architecture of this house but also destroys the heritage value of this UCA streetscape. Therefore, the proposal runs counter to the Strategic Plan for Environment and Development, among other policies,” FAA argues.

“The proposal will have an irreversible negative impact on cultural heritage due to the unjustified loss of an exemplar of Gozitan vernacular architecture within the buffer zone of two scheduled monuments – Ġgantija Neolithic Temples and the Xagħra Windmill. In addition, the replacement of this building with a structure that is totally incongruent in style and massing will result in further demoltions and replacement by inappropriate buildings in the area. The replacement development will destroy an agricultural site still being worked.”

This project, FAA writes, “will have a detrimental impact on a part of the Xagħra UCA that still retains a great many original vernacular houses, while more recent residences in this stretch down to Triq l-Għejjun respect its two-floor height limitation and UCA skyline.”

“The property is over a century old, and comprises traditional structural features including original arches and ceilings borne on beams.” FAA highlights that part of this large house is much older than the rest.

“The pseudo-grandiose ground floor with its Baroque-style portals and pilastered corners is discordant with the modern fenestration of the upper floors. This combination, together with the massiveness of the block of 31 apartments and blank party wall on the Ġgantija side of this building, is totally out of context and discordant with the flanking residences within its traditional setting. “

FAA also said that the site footprint is located within the Site of Archaeological Importance of Ġgantija which includes the megalithic temple site of Ġgantija a UNESCO World Heritage Site. “Consequently, views and vistas from and towards Ġgantija are to be preserved and enhanced. The site footprint is also located within Triq Parisot where several agricultural trenches dated to Classical Period and pottery have been recently discovered and recorded.”

The NGO also argued that the proposal goes against a number of other policies.