A sizeable crowd of Santa Luċija residents turned out in support of a protest organised by the Local Council against the development of a 6-storey apartment block in their locality. The block, proposed by developer Anton Camilleri “tal-Franċiż” seeks to build 48 apartments and 75 garages in what is presently an open space known as l-Għalqa taż-Żiemel.
“There are around 1,500 objections to this project. The council and residents are worried about a development which is excessive in terms of both height and volume,” said Mayor Charmaine St John. “This building will jar with the existing 2-storey streetscape and will result in the loss of natural sunlight.”
The mayor pointed out how Santa Luċija was designed and planned in a holistic manner, specifically for low-lying buildings.
“This proposal will take up a public open space, but the SPED policy dictates that green spaces in public areas should be increased, not reduced. It will also result in an intensification of traffic inside our town, ruining the distinct character in which it was built.”
Her sentiment was echoed by other Labour councillors who reaffirmed the council’s stance against the development.
PN Minority Leader Liam Sciberras also pointed out the project’s incongruity with the way Santa Luċija is designed, lambasting its excessive height. “We are unfortunately seeing many other towns losing their character because of developers’ greed. We do not want our town to suffer the same fate. How many towns are built like ours, with a particular attention to open spaces?”
Sciberras also referenced a speech by the Prime Minister who had stated that pencil developments should not mar the skyline of Santa Luċija. “I sincerely appreciate his stance on the matter. But this proposal is worse than a pencil building. It’s a monster. Once he has spoken out against pencil buildings, will he speak out against this development?”
Many residents voiced their disgust and concern at Camilleri’s project, especially with regard to the building’s massing. “We lived here all our lives. It was all fields here and they’ve taken everything from us. The horses have never bothered us. This open area should not be stolen from us.”
The PA is set to hear proposal PA/05152/22 this Friday 26 January. Earlier this week, a group of residents said it is prepared for a long battle, and called upon fellow Santa Luċija residents to support them in their fight.
In reply, developer Camilleri said the project adheres to all planning policies and goes above and beyond what is required at law. It is being proposed according to the height limitations and regulations that apply for the area. This project represents a comprehensive development, not a pencil building, and aligns with Malta's policies for quality housing, ample parking, and public open space. The Planning Authority's recommendation for approval reinforces the project’s meticulous planning and adherence to established policies.
Contrary to recent claims, the land in question has always been privately owned and earmarked for development since the 2006 Local Plans, dispelling notions of its supposed green lung status. Moreover, far from subtracting from public spaces, this project will add 425 square meters, maintained by the developer at his own expense.
The project is surrounded by government apartments of the same height of the project and other four, five and six-storey buildings, the developer said.
"In light of recent protests, we express concern over the misinformation circulating about our policy-based development. We extend an invitation to the Local Council and the involved NGO to ensure accurate information prevails, guarding against potential manipulation by a select few. Emphasizing the importance of well-informed decision-making, we believe it will foster a more constructive and positive dialogue about this project and future developments," the developer said.