The Planning Authority has been asked to partially review the 2006 Ta' Qali Action Plan to address proposed changes concerning a family theme park, the Ta' Qali Crafts Village and the Pitkalija site.

The request was made by the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Employment Jonathan Attard, and will see the Authority assess the proposals and prepare the relevant planning policies and design parameters.

For the proposed family theme park, the review will identify a site within the area indicated by the minister and establish a specific policy regulating its development.

This will include provisions on permitted uses, building footprint and height, landscaping, access and parking.

The review will also consider changes to the permitted uses at the Ta' Qali Crafts Village, with the aim of supporting its development while retaining its focus on local craftsmanship.

The proposed changes include allowing businesses producing local artisanal food and beverages, an ancillary catering facility near the children's playground, craft-related training facilities and an educational cinema.

Changes are also being proposed for the Pitkalija site, with the land to be divided into a Food Hub Regeneration Area and an Agricultural Value Area.

The proposed food zone would accommodate product storage and distribution, as well as a Pitkalija facility for the processing and marketing of fruit and vegetables intended to support local producers.

The review also proposes reclassifying approximately 6.77 hectares of land currently reserved for a future extension of the Pitkalija as an Agricultural Value Area.

The Planning Authority stressed that the partial review itself would not grant development permission for any of the proposed uses.

The Authority will assess the proposals and follow the applicable planning process before preparing the relevant policies and design parameters.

Members of the public can submit their views online through publicconsultation.gov.mt.

Any queries can be sent to [email protected].