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Rabat residents object to Seminary extension
Rabat residents living in the area known as ‘Tal-Virtu’ have called on to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) objecting to the extension of the Archbishop’s Seminary.
15 November 2010, 12:00am
Miriam Dalli
Miriam Dalli
2 min read
In the petition to the MEPA, the residents are asking the Authority to re-examine the analytical process of the planning application for the extension of the Seminary and its approval of the full development permit.
In its extension, the Seminary will house a primary school which increase the student population from 250 to some 825 students and increasing the staff members by 60. The development also proposes an extension of the Seminary’s retreat house.
The residents’ petition was submitted to the MEPA Chairman and MEPA Auditor, claiming that the MEPA Directorate assessment report on which the Development Control Commission board based its decision, evaded a number of its governing and controlling policies.
The residents have also requested an urgent meeting with the Archbishop, whom has not yet replied.
The residents claim that the development does not conform to the Rabat area policy NWRB7 of the North West Local Plan. The Plan in fact states that “there is a presumption against further development” with the Seminary grounds. An expansion should only be permitted if is “necessary and essential”.
In the residents’ view, it is neither “necessary” nor “essential” for the Seminary school to build a primary school on its grounds. Instead, they argue that the new primary school should be built either in a different location, or buying or merging with an already existing primary school, or adopting a ballot system for admission to the secondary school instead of using examinations.
They point out that Church schools such as St Aloysius’ College and Savio College have adopted such solutions.
Moreover, the residents argue, the extension will have negative effects on the residential area as it will increase traffic generation and noise pollution.
With regards to the extension of the ‘vocational centre’, the residents argue that the Seminary could resort to underutilised buildings which could be used for this purpose.
Miriam Dalli joined MaltaToday.com.mt in 2010 becoming assistant editor f...
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Some points the Tal-Virtu Residents signing the petitions did not mention;
a. The tal-Virtu Hamlet Council organised a meeting for all residents held at the Seminary with the Rector and the Headmaster;
b. These were given the information which is being used to make problems for a good educational institution;
c. Did not state when the request for a meeting with the Archbishop was made;
d. Did not state that the building of the new school is replacing an already built vocation centre and laboratories block into a primary school;
e. Did not state that there was a valid building permit approximately 5 years old.
I would like to ask if there are any parents of children that attended/are attending this school that is able to educate and form our sons and obtain above average results.
I would like to ask if any of the signatures are of students that benefitted from this exemplary institution.
Dear Maximillian, from where you got the implication that somebody has found any infringement. From what I know and as clearly stated in the residents meeting; the seminary has always through professional members and in line with local regulations abided and worked within the stipulated laws.
I would like to encourage the school administration to continue with the good work for the benefit of our sons and of our society.
Alfred Galea •
Tuwhom l-interdett.
Raymond Bonnici •
I do not know why the Archbishop has not responded yet to these people. But as the person responsible for the Seminary he should meet and listen to what they have to say before any further development. I have read in other section of the media that the MEPA auditor is agreeing with the residents that there are problems.
