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James Debono
Lija’s Transfiguration Avenue will live up to its name although there will be nothing mystical in the tremendous change it is about to go through. If MEPA gives the green light to proposed development, it will be transformed from the quaint low-storey village core which has served as backdrop to the picturesque Belveder monumental tower into a complete building site with cranes towering all over the place.
And that’s because the planning authority is considering whether to approve a high-rise development right next to the Belveder landmark that is so unique to Lija’s village character.
Now residents fear this could pave the way for a construction spree in the peaceful locality. Developers have applied to demolish part of an existing villa to build eight flats on two floors as well as a penthouse on the third floor, just a few metres away from Lija’s landmark.
Residents are incensed that the Belveder and its environs, including the site of the proposed development, were not even included as part of the village core in the newly approved local plans.
A leaflet sent by MEPA to Lija residents depicts the Belveder as the sole image depicting the quaint locality. The MEPA leaflet even states that “the local plan identifies and protects the village core.” Yet MEPA’s local plan which excludes the landmark from the village core has paved the way for a construction spree in the town’s main avenue where construction is presently limited to two-storey villas.
Even the part of Transfiguration Avenue included in the village core is now designated for 3-storey development plus semi-basements.
MEPA is already considering a permit for the erection of a multi-level building with basement garage next to the MLP club in an area designated as part of the village core.
Transfiguration Avenue is the main road leading from the parish church to Naxxar Road and is the only wide road which allows people to have a quiet stroll. It remains to this day untouched by the construction of flats and multi storey buildings, but this could change if MEPA approved the new permits.
Residents opposed to disfigurement of the skyline of their locality have already collected 180 signatures in just two days to stop the proposed development set to dwarf the Belveder. The new committee set up to defend the quaint locality is inviting residents to contact them on protectlija@gmail.com.
The Lija local council is also objecting to the proposed development. Writing to MEPA the council insisted that the proposed development “will be simply out of place in such an area.”
The area lies on a huge water reservoir, which is still very much in use, as government bowsers are often seen filling up their tanks.
jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt
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