Qrendi council and PN MP object to Wied iz-Zurrieq kiosk

The council also expressed its fear that the application would encourage further encroachment on public land.

The area earmarked for the development of a kiosk in Zurrieq (Photo: Ray Attard)
The area earmarked for the development of a kiosk in Zurrieq (Photo: Ray Attard)

The Labour-led Qrendi local council has unanimously voted against an application for the construction of a kiosk overlooking the picturesque Wied iz-Zurrieq.

A letter of objection sent to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority by Qrendi mayor David Schembri states that the proposed development would obscure the sea view as seen from Triq il-Congreve overlooking the Belvedere, to the detriment of tourist visitors who visit the area.

The council also expressed its fear that the application would encourage further encroachment on public land.

Architect and Nationalist MP Anthony Bezzina has also presented an objection on behalf of the owners of various commercial establishments in the area.

In his letter Bezzina claims that the kiosk presents health and safety issues.

This is because prospective clients of the new kiosk will have to queue and wait to be served on the road, which lacks a pavement, thus causing a health and safety hazard to pedestrians and motorists alike. He also notes that since the road is a two-way carriageway a pavement cannot be constructed.

He also warns that the kiosk will hinder the visibility for vehicles driving out of the adjacent side road, which leads to a parking area, thus creating an accident black spot.

Bezzina also warns that the kiosk will create a precedent for other establishments to put out chairs and tables along the same road.

The 18 square metre, three metre high kiosk is being proposed on vacant public land in Congreve Road at the entrance of a belvedere which overlooks the picturesque sea views of Wied iz-Zurrieq.

The kiosk will have terracotta coloured cast iron roofing and a green cast iron frame and shutters. The application is still at its initial stages.

The application proposed by Paul Farrugia was presented by architect Robert Musumeci.