Development on 18,000m2 rationalisation Marsaxlokk site approved

While the Planning Authority was applauded by environmentalists for turning down an application for intensive development on 38,600 m2 of agricultural land in Mosta, on the same day it approved a similar development on 17,600m2 of agricultural land in Marsaxlokk.

Both sites had been included in the extension of building boundaries carried out by the PN government in 2006.  Although included in the infamous extension of development boundaries, the PA still had to approve planning parameters for both sites as proposed in two planning control applications.

But while rejecting the scale of development proposed in Mosta, the PA approved the development proposed in the site known as Tal-Marnisi along Triq il-Bahhara, Marsaxlokk.

The land at present consists predominantly of fields, except for an old farmhouse to the south-eastern side of the site, which will be restored.

The site will be divided in three residential blocks.

The block fronting ODZ land on the western side of the site will have a height limitation of 15.40 metres. The block fronting the ODZ on the southern side has a height limitation of 17.50 metres. The inner residential blocks have a height limitation of 17.50 meter.

The proposed development will also include a landscaped public open space equivalent to 20% of the developable area.

The Planning Directorate recommended the Mosta and Marsaxlokk sites for approval but while the former was rejected following public pressure from environmentalists and the Green Party, the latter was approved.

The Marsaxlokk application was presented by a number of owners including Bakkar Ltd, a company owned by Attard Brothers. A judicial protest presented by a tenant who works land in the area claims that the area includes garigue, carob trees and flora which should be protected by law.