Planning Authority approves major development on Attard virgin land

The Planning Authority has given its seal of approval to a major development project in Attard, that will see buildings rise as high as 17.5 metres.

The proposed development is for the construction of villas, apartments and maisonettes, as well as new roads, on a site off Triq Dun Mikiel Xerri and Triq Dun Gwann Theuma, close to Ta’ Qali.

The 15,581 square metre site, mostly agricultural land, was rendered developable in the controversial 2006 rationalisation exercise.

The Attard local council has said it will appeal the proposal, on behalf of residents who have warned that the 17.5 metre height limitation is excessive, that the project will increase traffic, that the open space is used by residents to exercise and walk their dogs, and that the take-up of agricultural land will exacerbate flooding problems.

Partit Demokratiku and Alternattiva Demokratika have also opposed the plans, while the Environment and Resources Authority is set to appeal to the part of the proposal that consists of the development of roads on ODZ land.