Developers avoid EIA with downsized Luqa project

GAP developers have dropped three of their five applications to develop apartments on a tract of open space in Luqa, avoiding the need to conduct the inevitable environmental impact assessment had they proceeded with all five applications.

While the original applications presented by architect Colin Zammit would have resulted in a total of 269 new dwellings, the two remaining applications will result in 90 new dwellings on 3,150 square metres of land.

It was the Environment and Resources Authority which initially requested an EIA in view of the proposed development in all the five separately presented applications.  

Following the withdrawal of the three other applications, the ERA confirmed that the downsized development does not qualify for an EIA. Transport Malta, which had also initially called for a traffic impact assessment, has now withdrawn its demand.

But by withdrawing the three applications, the developer can still apply on the remaining sites – which are owned by GAP – at some future date.

The existing almond trees and vegetation on the site are not protected by law and the area is earmarked for residential development in the local plan approved in 2006.

According to the Planning Directorate “the remaining two applications have a site area of approximately 3,150 sq.m and do not exceed 30,000 sq.m in terms of gross floor area and do not qualify for further assessment in terms of the EIA.”

Both applications are now set for approval at the PA meeting due next Wednesday.

The vast tract of undeveloped fields in the vicinity of the Luqa state school has been originally earmarked for residential development consisting of 35 maisonettes, 187 apartments and 47 penthouses. The two remaining applications will include 14 maisonettes, 61 apartments, 15 penthouses and 67 garages.

The Luqa council had voiced concerns on the cumulative impact of all five applications. “Such a large scale development will be removing one of the last rural areas in the locality,” the council warned.

“Our locality – surrounded by industrial areas and the airport – lacks open spaces that could be utilised for recreational purposes.” 

The council has also called on the Planning Authority to assess the five different applications as one, insisting that a project of such magnitude normally requires an EIA. “The development has been divided into five separate applications for which the Authority may not request such a report,” the council warned. 

The site is not protected by any designation and is often subjected to littering. But it is also considered by residents as a lung for the densely populated area.

GAP Limited is currently developing 152 apartments in Tal-Masrija in Mellieha. A subsidiary of the same company also wants to develop an old people’s home in an ODZ (outside development zones) area in Naxxar.