A proposal for the redevelopment of a disused farm overlooking Wied Ghomor into agri-tourism accommodation which would include 131 rooms is currently being screened by the Planning Authority.

The case refers to a screening request and contents are not yet regarded as a complete application, the PA's website reads. "The details therein 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 site is known as St Anthony's Farm, on Triq il-Pellikan, San Gwann and has a total site area of 20,090 sqm.

The proposal, aside from the guest rooms, would include a restaurant/breakfast area, an indoor and outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness area and a multi-purpose hall. The proposal also includes the provision of an ancillary underground parking area.

Commenting on the proposal, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage said that the site in question is an extensive site located outside the development zone in the limits of San Gwann, in an area known as Tal-Franciz.

"Furthermore, the site is overlooking Wied Ghomor and lies within the ecological buffer zone protecting this valley. The site is currently occupied by a disused farm.

"The documentation as made available indicates that the existing structures do not have such value as to warrant their retention. The Superintendence therefore does not object in principle to an adequate redevelopment of the site and expresses no concern from a Cultural Heritage point of view. The Superintendence will carry out a full assessment and reply accordingly once full development application is submitted."

A number of other applications for the site had been filed in the past, including a tourist village and apartments, however none of these plans came to fruition.