The Housing Authority has withdrawn an application for the construction of 34 dwellings in an agricultural zone located in the middle of Gharb’s urban conservation area, only a week after the application was published in the newspapers.
“The Authority withdrew the application as soon as it was informed that there are temporary emphyteusis on the land in question,” a spokesperson for the Authority told MaltaToday.
Although the area belongs to the government’s joint office, which administers land previously owned by the Church, the land is also leased to a number of tenants.
Alternattiva Demokratika, unaware of the Housing Authority’s decision to backtrack from the application, yesterday objected to the proposed development, claiming that the area lacked the infrastructure to support the 34 new units proposed by the housing authority.
AD called on the Housing Authority to back up its past pledge of using already available housing stock and negotiate to buy built-up property, rather than taking more arable land.
Less than a year ago MEPA had already approved the construction of a dwelling belonging to Raymond Cassar – Gharb’s deputy mayor.
According to MEPA this development was compatible with the height limitations and other criteria imposed by the local plan, which earmarks this open space for residential development.
This could be an indication that despite the withdrawal of the application by the Housing Authority, the area could still be destined for development in future.

jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt