ERA: Birgu home is strongly objectionable

The Environment and Resources Authority is objecting to the building of an old people’s home in Tal-Hawli valley in Vittoriosa, describing the proposal as being “strongly objectionable from an environmental point of view”.  

The ERA reiterated objections presented by its predecessor, the Environment Protection Directorate, which had already objected to the take-up of land outside development boundaries and expressed concern about the negative impact on the protected valley.

The application, proposed by St Paul Residential Homes Limited, a company owned by developer Joseph Gaffarena, is still being considered by the Planning Authority. 

Contacted last month by MaltaToday and asked whether he agrees with the proposal, Birgu mayor John Boxall described it as a double-edged sword.

“Birgu has an ageing population and needs a home for the elderly. On the other hand we are very concerned about the protection of the valley,” he said.

While noting that the proposed home overlooks the scheduled area and is in the vicinity of the primary school, Boxall insisted that the council needs to discuss the issue before he takes a stand.

The application was filed in September 2013 by Prof Mark Brincat on behalf of St Paul Residential Homes. 

Since then, Brincat has been substituted by Donald Magro as the applicant of the project, whose latest plans envision a four-storey building over two storeys of underground parking.

Labour MP Charles Buhagiar, government-appointed chairman of the Building Industry Consultative Council, is still listed as “project architect”.

In 1992, MEPA had refused an application to erect garages and stores on the site presently earmarked for the old people’s home.