Siggiewi farm to be demolished as planning compensation for ODZ development permission

An existing permitted farm in the unspoilt valley side of Wied Qirda and Wied il-Kbir, in Siggiewi, will be demolished as planning compensation after the Plannng Board granted permission for extension works and a surface car park at a Zabbar supermarket.

According to the Planning Authority, the permission granted for the sanctioning of works in Triq Hompesch in Zabbar is within an area already approved as an open commercial area ancillary to the operation of the supermarket, despite being on the outside of the development boundary periphery.

The approved works on Scotts supermarket include the construction of an extension to the supermarket’s sales area, stores and three adjoining garages, a basement area and a surface parking area.

The Board, in agreement with the owner of the supermarket, requested that following the demolition of the farm and its agricultural ancillary structures, the site was to be rehabilitated back to agricultural land with planted trees. The owner also agreed that all vested rights on the 3,475m2 site were to be relinquished, according to the Planning Authority. 

The Board also imposed a planning gain to the value of €50,000.

The Planning Authority said that these funds will be utilised in agreement with the local council for environment and urban improvement projects in the locality of Zabbar.