NGO condemns farmhouse demolition near Ġgantija temples

Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar condemned the demolition of an old farmhouse within the Ġgantija buffer zone, saying works continued despite a stop notice issued by the Building and Construction Authority.

The Ġgantija Heights development, covered by planning application PA 570/21, is located at Triq il-Parsott near the UNESCO-listed Ġgantija temples in Xagħra. The application attracted more than 1,800 objections and international criticism over its potential impact on the site.

The NGO said it opposed the application alongside other NGOs in 2022 over concerns that construction could destroy archaeological remains that have yet to be excavated. UNESCO later stepped in and called for a Heritage Impact Assessment to be carried out.

According to the FAA, the assessment found that Ġgantija benefits from one of the most open and tranquil settings among Malta’s temple sites, with surroundings that have remained relatively unchanged since prehistoric times.

However, FAA added that the HIA also found that the apartment block would harm the Ġgantija World Heritage Site, with its height and size creating a visual intrusion within the buffer zone. It warned that the building would appear out of place, detract from views of the site and further urbanise the area, while increasing traffic and demand for on-street parking.

FAA said the HIA also warned that further developments could collectively ruin the setting of the Ġgantija temples, adding that the same pattern is occurring across Malta.

The NGO further noted that the assessment makes no mention of the potential destruction of archaeological remains on the development site. It said this poses a “high risk," as the site lies just nine metres from previously excavated remains at Ġgantija.

According to the FAA, Ġgantija’s archaeological significance extends beyond the area managed by Heritage Malta. It noted that previous surveys have identified evidence of additional megalithic structures around the temple complex, while the surrounding soil could contain pottery, tools, human and animal remains, along with other material linked to Malta’s Neolithic age.

The NGO also criticised the Heritage Impact Assessor’s support for the demolition of the farmhouse despite its contribution to the traditional character of the buffer zone. The FAA also disputed the claim that the building dated from the mid-20th century, saying maps held at the National Archives prove it to be much older.

Despite the objections and negative impacts identified in the HIA, FAA said the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage had "shockingly" approved the development.

Although the BCA has since issued a stop notice, the NGO accused the Superintendence of failing in its duty to protect Malta’s heritage and of being directly responsible for the destruction of the country’s identity "one building at a time."