PA 'flooded' with objections to the Villa Rosa Local Plan review, NGO says

By: independent.com.mt

Nov 25 2024
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PA 'flooded' with objections t

The Planning Authority (PA) has been flooded with objections to the sham consultation process for the revision of the Villa Rosa Local Plan, NGO Graffitti said in a statement Monday. Over 2,500 individuals have objected by using this online form, while many others have sent their objection to the PA through other means.
People can still submit their input to the consultation process by today, 25^th November.

It is clear that the Government has initiated the review of the Villa Rosa Local Plan on instruction by developer Tal-Franċiż, the NGO said. The revision process began after the developer's meeting with the Cabinet, covers the exact area of the Tal-Franċiż proposed development application filed two years ago, and its stated objectives align with changing development parameters, so that what is currently prohibited becomes permitted.

In their objection, the people noted the singular lack of transparency surrounding this Local Plan review and its real purpose, since a specific policy for Villa Rosa already exists. They also stated that high-rise hotels should not be given any preferential treatment if their siting impinges upon residential amenity or scenic or environmentally sensitive sites. They also noted how there are no published studies or reports indicating that there is a dearth of tourists in Malta, or that high-rise buildings are the only hotels which can accommodate so-called high-quality tourists, the NGO said.

The objection states that it is evident that the sole aim of the consultation process is that of enabling the construction of a mammoth project presented in application PA/07254/22. This proposed development would envelop the entire area - including thousands of residents, St. George's Bay, and the Ħarq Ħammiem valley - in dust, noise, traffic, and intense commercial activity.

The valley, the bay, and many homes will be cast in near-permanent darkness by the shadows of three towers ranging from 27 to 34 floors. It will also severely threaten the Ħarq Ħammiem cave, a site of unique ecological importance

In light of these grave concerns, the objectors called on the PA to immediately halt this abusive process, which is driven by private interests rather than the common good.