The developer of an elderly people's home in Żabbar, which is the subject of a protest to be organised by the local council on Monday, on Saturday defended the project, saying it is in line with the local plans and with nearby buildings.
Daniel Zahra, the applicant responsible for the permit of the proposed residence for older persons at Misraħ Madonna Medjatriċi, Ġanni Bonavia Street, Ħaż-Żabbar, said he wanted "to set the record straight and establish the correct facts related to the project in light of the current controversy."
The Żabbar council is protesting against the project, and has earned the support of Labour Party exponents, including Deputy Leader Alex Agius Saliba, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana and MP Edward Zammit Lewis.
In a statement this week, the council described the project as harmful to the historic fabric of Ħaż-Żabbar and detrimental to residents' quality of life. It urged residents, community organisations, and supporters of the locality to gather at Mediatrix Square on Monday at 10 a.m. and reiterated its position that the permit should be revoked without delay.
The property in question was acquired with the intention of development and had a previously approved permit for an apartment complex - a permit which the Local Council had not objected to, Zahra said Saturday.
The height limitation according to the local plan was, and remains, 17.5 metres.
Instead of developing apartments, "we opted for a different project aimed at providing greater value to the community: a residence for older persons in the heart of Żabbar, located in an ideal and accessible location close to the church and main square."
It is being claimed that the proposed project will be higher than the neighbouring buildings. This is not factual, Zahra contended.
The proposed building is 17.5m, in line with the established local plan, the peak height of Dar Sagra Familja - located adjacent to the proposed project - is of 17.8m.
Therefore, he said, the height of the proposed project is in line with the tallest existing building.
The facade will be constructed using Maltese Limestone with traditional detailing, including colour schemes and filigree features that complement the surrounding urban environment rather than detract from it, he said.
The original application included seven floors - however, following consultation with the Planning Authority and its request for the height to not exceed 17.5m, we amended the application to adhere to their request, he added.
"I formally confirm that there will be no attempts in the future to increase additional floors in relation to this site, and I am prepared to enter into a contractual commitment to this effect," he said.