Villa Frieres development downsized to respect environs’ integrity

The Villa Frieres project, which over the past months has been significant downsized to accommodate 12 instead of the 21 proposed residential apartments, was earlier today approved by the MEPA board.

Planning permission has also been granted for restoration and rehabilitation works to be carried out on the adjacent Grade 2 scheduled Villa.

The Villa, which will now be restored, was built around 1890 at a time when St. Julian's was steadily changing from a fishing hamlet into a fashionable summer resort.

FAA representative Astrid Vella was reported by MEPA as having "pointed out" the decision being positive, as a compromise that respected the rights of the applicant and addressed the concerns of residents.

Earlier this year, the MEPA board had given clear indication that the original proposed project for the construction of 21 upmarket residential apartments with car parking facilities within Spinola square, was too cumbersome for the site.

The board said the development would compromise the visual integrity of both square and the adjacent parish church, with an overdevelopment of the site. Sanitary concerns were also raised by residents whose apartments adjoin the site.    

"Over the past months, the applicant guided by the Planning Directorate, addressed the concerns raised by both the MEPA board and residents, and presented a downsized proposal which includes 12 residential apartments and parking spaces. This latest proposal, managed to address most of the concerns that had been raised, ensuring that it safeguarded the integrity of the Square and respected the surrounding context of the area. The plans were also approved by the General Services Board who assessed all the sanitary issues that were of concern," the authority said in a statement.

The applicant will also have to contribute over €19,000 to the Urban Improvement Fund which can be used by the St Julian's local council for projects related to green transport, traffic management or outdoor recreational facilities which improve the quality of life for its residents.