MEPA turns down Balzan village core development
The Malta Environment and Planning Authority has turned down an application for a full development permit for the construction of 40 apartments and underground parking facilities in the village core of Balzan.
During a public hearing this morning, the board felt that this project would contribute towards over-development and compromise the character and heritage of the urban conservation area of this traditional village.
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Nigel Lawrence
Mar 5th 2009, 22:04
40 more apartments- oh heck, Malta really needed those.
T Mifsud
Mar 5th 2009, 21:51
Balzan area has already been ruined next to Main Street going to the church with a massive concrete 5 storey blank grey wall belonging to maisonettes obliterating the skyline viewable from residents in Lija. If i had the opportunity to post a photo I would provide the link. It is seeing to believing! When it was going up I couldn't believe permits were given, then I couldn't believe the height it was breaching. Guess what...it went 3 stories higher topped with hideous massive water tanks on top parading huge numbers that even the blind would read!
Shame!
Joseph V. Grech
Mar 5th 2009, 19:02
In my earlier Comment I said Well Done to MEPA and especially its Case Officers who must have recommended this project be dropped. And of course also the DCC Board which refused the application. Then I read the other Comments and came to the one signed by E. Gauci. On second thoughts I think this gent has a point you know, for my experience with MEPA goes to show that permits usually go through the 'Refuse', 'Application for Re-consideration' and ultimately the 'Grant 'phase. The Balzanis will do well to watch proceedings very, very, carefully!
Joseph V. Grech
Mar 5th 2009, 18:16
Well done to MEPA - especially the responsible Case Officers who must have recommended that this 'project' be refused. Also Well Done to the relevant DCC Board, which contrary to what used to happen just some months ago, heeded the advice of the MEPA officers and refused the permit. Much harm was done to our islands in the not too distant past and those MEPA high officials who abused repeatedly should be hauled before the courts to answer for their misdeeds. I sincerely hope the Ministry will do this.
adrian borg cardona
Mar 5th 2009, 17:37
This is great news for Balzan. Hopefully, the character of our small village will not be ruined by further similar projects. Hopefully too, the Executive Board of MEPA will dismiss application no. 6858/04 for the building of three floors plus penthouse in an aread zoned for two storey houses. The applicant was encouraged to apply to build 15 flats on the one remaining plot of land which the Local Plans Unit BY MISTAKE coloured differently from the remaining area. Is it fair that from a mistake by MEPA the developer should benefit ? If the application is accepted, it will ruin the character of our area and open the door for further such development.
c.camilleri
Mar 5th 2009, 17:13
WELL DONE. NOW WE KNOW THAT THINGS ARE GOING THE RIGHT WAY AT MEPA.
Egauci
Mar 5th 2009, 16:58
good news - but probably this must have been a weak contractor... if only they could do the same with the rest of the isalnd... also would like to see if this story ends here or if there will be other meetings discussions etc etc - to overrule this !!!
joe felice pace
Mar 5th 2009, 16:19
At long last! Hope this will apply also to Ħal Lija and Ħ'Attard's areas.