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James Debono
The development of the private gardens of Palazzo Sant Cassia in Siggiewi, the former holiday residence for the entourage of the Inquisitor, has turned into a bone of contention between opposing residents and the present owners of the palazzo, former chief justice Noel Arrigo.
Breathtaking gardens and an olive grove surround the palace in Siggiewi, commemorated by a plaque showing the Inquisitor’s secretary had his residence here back in the days of the counter-reformation.
But former Chief Justice Arrigo who faces corruption charges is holding on to his right to develop the site, whilst residents are opposing the development of terraced houses on parts of the garden, which are covered by permits. Siggiewi mayor Robert Musumeci (PN) has refrained from taking a position on the issue.
The newly proposed scheme in the South Malta Local Plan however prohibits such development, laying down that the protection of these private gardens “is important in conserving the character of Siggiewi.”
Amidst rumours of a new bid to develop these gardens prior to the approval of this plan, a group of Siggiewi residents have collected more than sixty signatures calling for the full protection of these private gardens.
The petition was addressed to MEPA and the Siggiewi local council and copies of it were sent to the Prime Minister.
Residents speaking to MaltaToday expressed their frustration at the fact that Siggiewi is losing its character due to rampant development. They also contend that the gardens are a lung for Siggiewi.
But the palazzo’s owners have objected to MEPA’s plan to forbid any development on the site, and are insisting on keeping the status quo.
Noel Arrigo is insisting that he had no intention to apply for any development in his own private gardens. But he is also objecting to MEPA’s plans to fully protect this site because he considers this decision as “prejudicial to the rights of the present owners.”
“More than half of this garden has been developed. So why should the remaining half be safeguarded?” the former chief justice asked.
The residents’ petition calls on Mayor Robert Musumeci and the local council to declare themselves in favour of the full protection of these gardens from development.
Musumeci has however refrained from taking such a commitment as local council has unanimously resolved to hold a wide consultation process in response to the draft local plan.
“This included two public hearings, during which residents were given the opportunity to lodge their reactions. Given the fact that there have been many contrasting reactions from residents, the local council has gone through the contents and resolved to transmit the reactions unedited to MEPA to enable an objective assessment, including contrasting reactions pertaining to this particular site.”
Musumeci did not answer MaltaToday’s question on whether he agrees with the draft South Malta Local Plan, which forbids any development in the gardens. He also refrained from stating whether he agrees with the objection raised by the present owners against this change.
Musumeci said the PN majority has voted against a counter motion put forward by Labour councillors, specifically calling for the exclusion of one specific comment surfaced during the public meeting on the 18 June 2005.
This comment in question calls on MEPA to “refrain from issuing building permits in non-urban areas, while better strategic planning should be in place.”
Musumeci said the PN majority rejected this motion “since we are of the firm opinion that all comments from residents, irrespective of their content and technical justification, should be given the same level of hearing.”
Musumeci appears to be trying to please everybody by collecting everybody’s comments.
The quaint old village of Siggiewi is showing the heavy toll of development. Villas constructed in private gardens surrounded by thick walls are a frequent site in Hal-Xluq and Triq l-Imqabba. Farmland is also being sold to developers in areas like Ta’ Xurraf.
Since land earmarked for development is more profitable than land for farming, agriculture in the area is in decline. One wonders whether it will take an Inquisitor to restore order in Citta Ferdinand.
jdebono@newsworksltd.com
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