Activists and residents have protested against a planning application that would see the construction of an apartment block development in Burmarrad, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar said in a statement.
The application in question proposes the demolition of existing properties, excavation of the plot and construction of basement garages, 21 apartments, and eight maisonettes from basement level upwards, including pools and Jacuzzis. It proposes three basement levels and four above ground levels.
In a press conference organised by Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) and supported by Ramblers Association of Malta, Mayor of St Paul's Bay Censu Galea said that while the Local Council doesn't object to all development in their area, the Council had submitted a very strong objection to this application "which is not suited to this rural hamlet," a statement by FAA read.
"Galea highlighted that the site is within a scheduled area, lacking the infrastructure to support it."
Benjamin Mifsud-Scicluna, FAA's Environment Officer continued by saying that PA/03494/25 proposes the demolition of a one-storey vernacular building that is worthy of restoration, to be replaced by a building which includes 3 basement levels with over 53 lock-up garages plus 29 residential units.
"From the Wied Qannotta valley side, the project effectively creates a 4-storey building that shows no sensitivity to the vernacular architectural idiom, or the rural surroundings, and completely destroys the rhythm of the existing facades and of the Scheduled Building Setting, especially when viewed from Wied Qannotta," the statement by FAA read.
Astrid Vella, FAA Coordinator, continued by saying that part of the project proposed is Out of the Development Zone (ODZ), but said it is also in a Protected Strategic Gap which according to the Local Plan is meant to remain undeveloped to ensure there are no adverse visual impacts.
The site is located within a sloping hill landscape - it overlooks the Burmarrad plain and in particular Wied Qannotta, FAA said "The site can be prominently seen from the San Pawl Milqi Chapel and Catacombs but the plans show no sensitivity to the vernacular architectural idiom, completely destroying the rhythm of the surrounding facades especially when viewed from afar along Wied Qannotta, contravening Thematic Objective 8 of the SPED. The project also includes internal development and the destruction of heritage features within the building."
"Other major aspects which need addressing are refuse collection and Civil Protection issues such as access for ambulances and fire engines as well as foul water management as it's unlikely that the main sewer does not run down the length of the alley which is thought to be a private alley," the statement read.
Astrid Vella also raised the issue of the geology of the area, saying that the residents had taken on the developers' onus of commissioning a geological study. "Geological expert Peter Gatt concluded that due to the sloping site and friability of the Middle Globigerina limestone, the depth of excavation proposed by the project will present a very real risk of subsidence of the bedrock under neighbouring houses sliding into the excavated site," the FAA said.
"The residents also highlighted the fact that the narrow country lane leading up this hill to this lane is often jammed by existing traffic, let alone if this project adds some 60-75 cars exiting the barely navigable alley. The residents concluded by calling for the refusal of this application, while FAA added that while it is not against justifiable development, it maintains that unethical applications that destroy urban and rural heritage should be rejected if we are to preserve any quality of life for future generations."