The Planning Authority has approved a planning application for a large four-storey shopping mall in Burmarrad.

The site of the application is the Burmarrad Commercials Complex. It has a total area of circa 6,010sqm located along Triq Burmarrad, In an Outside Development Zone designated for development as an Area of Containment (AoC) in the Local Council boundaries of St Paul's Bay.

The application sought permission for the demolition of an existing car repair and rental depot, excavation down to the required levels and construction of four underground levels dedicated to parking and ancillary facilities, with four overlying floors dedicated to commercial activities which include storage and distribution (industrial in nature but ancillary to the commercial use), a supermarket, retail shops, food and beverage establishments and offices.

In total, 572 parking spots will be included in the development.

The application approved by eight against two. The two votes against were by St Paul's Bay Mayor Censu Galea and NGO representative Romano Cassar.

The Development and Management Directorate had noted that the estimated Annual Average Daily Traffic is 1,818, and such trip generation is considered significant. Regarding concerns surrounding traffic flows, it was said that this will be addressed through a junction upgrade.

The case officer had recommended that the application be approved.