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.