No funfair for Bahar ic-Caghaq, MEPA decrees

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority has heeded objections from residents of Bahar ic-Caghaq against the development of an amusement arcade centre foreseen in local plans approved back in 2006.

Previously, the location close to a small beach near the popular ice-cream vendor - a short distance away from the Splash and Fun park - was considered ideal for leisure activities found in most seaside localities in other countries.

Even the case officer's report that set the planning parameters for development on this site recognised the area as "very suitable" for the development of leisure and recreational uses such as those permitted within so called 'entertainment priority' areas.

But following an objection by the Bahar ic-Caghaq administrative committee, MEPA amended the list of permitted uses in this area by removing the use of amusement centres, or funfairs.

The committee claimed that a funfair would inconvenience Bahar ic-Caghaq residents substantially, since they are already suffering from similar nearby developments.

Other submissions by residents referred directly to noise from the nearby Splash and Fun park. "From previous experience with the nearby water fun-park, noise abatement from owners and enforcement by authorities is very poor," a resident said in submissions to MEPA.

In the current planning control application, the 3,400 square-metre area has been subdivided in two: an area already committed for existing boathouses and an area for commercial development.

The permitted activities on the commercial site include restaurants and takeaways, marine leisure facilities like diving and sailing clubs, and indoor band clubs or social clubs.

In order to exploit the pleasant environs, the placing of tables and chairs outdoors in pre-defined patios and terraces is encouraged by the latest plans. No new residential development will be allowed in the area.

The local plans state that patios, loggias and terraces are "very appropriate" in this location since these will serve as outdoor seating areas from where customers can appreciate open views of the bay and the coastline.

The case officer's report is recommending a maximum height limitation of 8.5 metres for any new development in the area which will be limited to two floors. The only recent development permit issued by MEPA a 10.5m high diving club situated in the middle of the area, next to a disused chapel.

The area, previously outside development zones, was earmarked for development in the local plans. Presently 58% of the area is already built-up.

The area currently consists of a number of traditionally designed 'vernacular' buildings that are mostly used as residences and summer houses, a newly constructed clubhouse, a discrete chapel that has been abandoned and now falling into disrepair, and a small number of boathouses.

The proposed plan states that any new development must reflect existing architectural styles.