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It’s high time MEPA should implement the seven local Draft Local plans proposed way back, if I am not mistaken, in 2000. Because time is running out, and in ten years’ time from their implementation, there would again be a revision. These local plans, we were assured, should serve as basis when approving building applications.
With the Draft Central Local Plan in mind, I would like to refer to application No 03279/05 for the demolishing of existing commercial structure and residential unit, substitute with retail premises, underlying parking and top floors apartments in Triq il-Klin, Iklin, projection over to the midst of Triq Stefano Erardi.
As a resident, I must express my concern over the above application for development permission as notified on 13 September, 2005.
May I point out the site plan supplied indicate the demolishing of one house in Triq Stefano Erardi while the plans presented that two houses are to be demolished, on which site two blocks each with three apartments are to be erected with below-street-level garages.
MEPA should know that the proposed building to be developed happens to be on a site which had some historic/cultural importance because it was once (some 60 years ago) a winery which produced wine for the Holy Mass. At least it should have been scheduled according to its importance before giving the go-ahead to change of use.
May I also draw your attention to the fact that the proposed development is:
1. Contrary to structure plan Policy BEN 1 in so far as it would cause visual intrusion through the height of the building, introduce unwarranted noise through the establishment of substantial retail facilities, atmospheric pollution through the attraction of additional vehicles to the area and through the three floors of underground parking facilities that form part of the proposed development, and will result unusually high traffic generation for a residential area;
2. The proposal is contrary to the Structure Plan Policies BEN 4, SET 8 and SET 9 since the incursion of such a substantial retail floor space into an area zoned for residential uses would compromise the objectives of the local plan that is currently under preparation for the area;
3. The proposal will introduce further commercialism of the residential area. In this regard it would go against the policy to curb the proliferation of commercial uses into adjacent residential area that occurred in the past to the detriment of the residents, also the parking congestion due to commercial development in the vicinity of Triq in-Naxxar. One must conclude then, that this is leading to the gradual degradation of the local environment and the erosion of the residential area. Commercial uses are slowly taking over the residential area of this vicinity.
May I also refer you to the Iklin Area Policies as proposed by the MEPA in the draft Central Malta Local Plan regarding showroom area, IK04.
10.1.9 Developments which are likely to cause bad neighbour impacts will not be permitted by MEPA.
Some proliferation of these non-local commercial uses into adjacent residential areas has occurred in the past to the detriment of the residences. This policy aims to stop this proliferation and safeguard the environmental quality of the residential areas of Iklin. This is achieved by limiting the development of showrooms including all their ancillary requirements to only those sites having a frontage on Triq in-Naxxar.
Finally, may I ask whether an impact assessment was prepared as regards (a) to noise caused by the ensuing additional traffic, and (b) atmospheric pollution caused by additional traffic and underground parking facilities that this development will generate, and its impact on the adjacent residential homes and roads in the area?
I trust MEPA will take into consideration the above, as the current application for the proposed development is of a great concern to the residents of the area and their neighbourhood, besides being contrary to what MEPA is proposing in the Local Plan for the Centre of Malta and in this case for Iklin Area Policy.
John Farrugia
Birkirkara
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