Developers propose raising height of Xemxija apartments
An application for a full development permit for a 16-storey apartment block at Mistra Ridge in Xemxija is being opposed by Din l-Art Ħelwa.
The organisation in a statement explained that last year it had expressed its disagreement when the Malta Environment and Planning Authority approved an outline application for an 11-storey development on the site.
That first application had proposed 868 residential units and was approved without a proper assessment of the visual impact of the project or an adequate photomontage, DLH said.
MEPA had now received an application for a full development permit for the site, with the number of storeys being increased to 16.
Din l-Art Ħelwa said that in terms of the floor area ratio laid down in the local plam, a maximum height of eight floors, with slight departures, could be allowed.
Eleven storeys, as approved in the outline application was not a ‘slight departure’ from eight floors, let alone the 16 now being proposed.
Din l-Art Helwa said that permits for tall buildings should not be granted until a national policy for tall buildings in Malta was drawn up.
The Prime Minister had said recently that the high rise policy was being revised, and so permits for high rise buildings should not be considered until this process had been completed and the necessary public consultation held.
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Anthony Magri
May 19th 2009, 14:39
Who mentions Manhattan forgot that it spread as high as possible and as wide as possible, The whole peninsula is built.We can see it on post cards or when visiting New York. There is no place where an ant could build its nest. Full up just like Valletta
tony marsh
May 18th 2009, 20:19
You are obliterating what is left of your country. You are letting foreign investors make money out of the destruction of your island.
a attard
May 18th 2009, 18:47
This is SO absurd...the present buildings in the area already look like a horrible invasion on what is left of Malta's fine country side....but 16 stories on top of the hill is like an arrogant and aggressive statement that the whole of Malta is be turned slowly but painfully into one metropolis. Bye bye to the breathing places of the North everyone cherishes and NEEDS with such a high percentage on land already taken up with suffocated towns especially round the harbour areas and close – greed knows no bounds. As if enduring the horrible high rises in Tal Ballal (on wied ghomor) and the monstrous complex in an otherwise picturesque Madliena valley are not enough to make us learn from mistakes, it all feels so surreal / illogical……….
asciberras
May 18th 2009, 17:31
the greed goes on and on and on
M. Gatt
May 18th 2009, 17:11
MEPA would be mad to issue permits to such a crazy request. Raising the height of these new apartmnents in such a lovely area of the island would be sheer madness and complete disrespect to the rest of the Maltese popluation. Malta can't continue appeasing the money-hungry developers at the expense of our environment thus ruining our landscapes now and forever. Do we really need all these new apartments in Malta or is it just a question of filling the fat wallets of a few developers?
Christine Attard
May 18th 2009, 16:55
Why continue to build high rise buildings when they are being left empty and unsold? Wasn't it enough to ruin Sliema and Attard among other villages in Malta?? DO we still need more appartments. Malta wake up!! NO one will come here to see concrete!!
Chris Galea
May 18th 2009, 16:50
Greedy capitalists!
Ray de Bono
May 18th 2009, 16:45
If properly designed high rise buildings are a plus to the surrounding environment. Malta has enough ugly dwarf structures that look more Middle Eastern than local in appearance, with blatant use of quarried lime stone, than besides giving a boring, stale and desert look to our landscape, are anything but stylish. In the current credit crunch, investors must be supported with realistic legislation that whilst safeguarding Malta's look and feel, also protects investors who more often than not are employing many people with them, are attractive foreign direct investments and are active corporate supporters of many social and cultural entities in Malta. Rather than demonised, respectable investors like the ones in question need support and commendation for their trust in the local economy. As a resident of Mellieha, I cannot but say (albeit this is subjective) that I welcome the Xemxija Height development as a landmark structure that will help improve the area's skyline, and hopefully alleviate the ugliness of the close-by shabby Gaza-like buildings overlooking Mizieb valley. Malta needs a more contemporary & feasible way of regulating our living habitats. Having aesthetically improved structures like the ones proposed at Xemxija heights will be a step in the right direction.
Philip Bonello
May 18th 2009, 16:31
Sixty years ago the people of Manhattan realised that they had to build up rather than spread out. We are still toying with the idea. Now when every green area has been built we will say mea culpa and wonder why we did not build up!
Miguel Micallef
May 18th 2009, 16:14
Sick
J.Bonnici
May 18th 2009, 16:08
What a shame! This is not what you promised us Dr Gonzi.
lgalea
May 18th 2009, 16:00
STOP THE DEVELOPERS FROM CONTINUING TO DESTROY OUR ENVIRONMENT AND SKYLINE GONZI.
Ray Sultana
May 18th 2009, 15:39
16 storeys on top of a hill!!
Where is the sustainable development and the Mepa reform promised by the Prime Minister?
Will Mepa and the Prime Minister continue to allow this country to be destroyed by shameless, greedy speculators?