Home for the elderly proposed next to Birgu glacis

The Superintendence for Cultural Heritage has called on the Planning Authority to reject a proposed home for the elderly set right next to a military glacis in the Tal-Hawli valley in Birgu, unless studies show that it has no impact on views of fortifications in the area. 

The five-storey high elderly residence is being proposed on a footprint of 2,565 square metres in an ODZ area overlooking the scheduled parts of Tal-Hawli valley in the vicinity of the Vittoriosa primary school.

In its first reaction to the application to construct the home, the heritage watchdog described the site proposed for development as “a very strategic location in Birgu”.

“It is located in the urban conservation area and in the area of high landscape value in the vicinity of the harbour fortifications and adjacent to the Military Glacis of Birgu,” the Heritage watchdog said. 

The Superintendence has now called on the developers to present photomontages from various viewpoints within Birgu and the surrounding localities. 

It also demanded photomontages of long-distance views to assess the visual impact of the proposed development on the skyline and harbour fortifications. 

“In the absence of the requested information, this development application should be refused”. 

Environmental organisations Nature Trust, Din l-Art Helwa and Front Harsien ODZ have also called on the PA to reject the application.

Nature Trust has warned that since the project lies at the lower part of a small valley system it could affect water retention in the area. It also noted that a number of trees grow along this valley. The Environment and Resources Authority has also objected to the application.

Donald Magro on behalf of St Paul Residential Homes Limited, a company owned by developer Joseph Gaffarena, presented the application. 

The latest plans envision a five-storey building over two storeys of underground parking. 

Labour MP Charles Buhagiar, government-appointed chairman of the Building Industry Consultative Council, is still listed as “project architect”.

In 1992, the MEPA had refused an application to erect garages and stores on the site presently earmarked for the elderly residence.