Plan to stem industrial growth in the south

The containment of further industrial expansion and of urban sprawl outside development zones are among the priorities of a draft local plan for the south launched yesterday.

The last of seven local plans published by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, the comprehensive 10-year plan is aimed at improving the quality of the environment for the population and ensuring sufficient provision of land to meet demand in terms of housing as well as community and recreational facilities.

The plan spans Fgura, Ghaxaq, Gudja, Kirkop, Luqa, Mqabba, Marsascala, Paola, Qrendi, Siggiewi, Safi, Santa Lucija, Tarxien, Xghajra, Zabbar, Zebbug, Zejtun, Zurrieq and the industrial zones of Marsa and Hal-Far.

The area covered by the plan has an average density of 1,795 persons per square kilometre, well above the national average. The region is characterised by industrial estates and industrial operations in the form of batching plants and garage industries.

Launched by Environment and Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino, the draft plan lays down several policies involving the regulation and use of land, covering sectors ranging from tourism to agriculture.

Among other aims, it seeks to facilitate the rehabilitation of degraded rural landscapes and protect the limited coastal stretch in order to provide recreational facilities.

Limits would be established to development boundaries, with Mr Pullicino underlining the importance of limiting the allocation of new land for construction, even if such a strategy was often unpopular.

A planned new road link from Bulebel to Marsascala should provide a breath of fresh air to the residents of Fgura and Zabbar, whose main roads are choked with traffic and fumes.

The provision of camping and caravan facilities, walking routes and heritage trails will be encouraged.

The gradual restoration of spent quarries will be encouraged, primarily for agricultural use and to identify acceptable after-uses following restoration.

"We need a process of planning built on rationalisation and not on emotion," Mr Pullicino said.

The public consultation phase will include a national information campaign using various media, a questionnaire and public consultation meetings.

Mepa chairman Andrew Calleja said that note would be taken of issues raised by the public during the six weeks of consultation.

Once the document is redrafted, it will be passed on to the Mepa board for approval and then forwarded to the government for approval.

Some of the proposals

Fgura
Increase in recreational areas; new route to ease traffic.

Ghaxaq
Containment of industrial activity outside development zone.

Gudja
Containment of industrial and commercial activity.

Kirkop
Better traffic management and the provision of new recreational facilities.

Luqa
Provides guidance to Malta International Airport with regard to the development of land within its precincts as well as a taxi-way.

Marsascala
A recreational park is proposed next to Razzett tal-Hbiberija; introduction of a commuted parking payment scheme.

Mqabba
Introduction of a series of lorry routes to bypass the village and improvement of parts of existing stretches of road.

Paola
Relocation of open-air market from current site to improve the residential amenity of this area; upgrading of Gheddafi gardens; comprehensive development of the Pace Grasso ground for commercial, communal and recreational use.

Qrendi
Relocation of bus terminus and improvement of the square.

Safi
Comprehensive development of large site at Ta' L-Amparell; better traffic management.

Santa Lucija
Protection of an archaeological site; containment of industrial and commercial uses outside development zone.

Siggiewi
Improvement of community and recreational facilities; better traffic management within village core; protection of heritage features.

Tarxien
Improvement of sports facilities; development of area at Il-Qalgha.

Xghajra
Improvement in promenade; new road link with Ricasoli Industrial Estate.

Zabbar
Creation of a new route to bypass locality; relocation of open-air market.

Zebbug
Containment of expansion of industrial uses; area in Hal-Dwien zoned as a green area.

Zejtun
New recreational facilities; rationalisation of Bulebel Industrial Estate.

Zurrieq
Comprehensive development of a large site at Nigret for community, residential and recreational facilities.