Il-Ghirghien Development Brief
Environmental considerations
The Development Brief area contains few important features worth retaining, amongst which, a Grade 2 farmhouse located close to the northwestern side of Tal-Papa Housing Estate. There are also a restricted number of trees particularly around the farmhouse site. There are two valleys - Wied il-Klima and Wied il-Qoton - flanking the western and northern sides of the land covered by the Development Brief.
These have been designated as Grade 4 Areas of Ecological Importance. Moreover, a number of World War II shelters and an unknown rock-cut chamber may also have historical and cultural interest. The area is characterised by fields (bounded by rubble walls) and disturbed ground which has been largely colonised by ruderal species.
A number of trees have also been observed in the area, some of which are protected by LN12 of 2001 (e.g. carobs, pomegranates, prickly pears, olive trees). Replacement of trees damaged by development or compensatory planting shall be determined in accordance with Mepa's Supplementary Guidance on Trees, Shrubs and Plants for Planting and Landscaping in the Maltese Islands.
Comments on this Development Brief are to be sent to Mepa by October 31, 2007 by email on ghirghien@mepa.org.mt or by mail to Mepa, St. Francis Ravellin, Floriana, CMR 02.