Architect says new Bahrija structure will have less impact than one it will replace

The architect overseeing a development in Bahrija belonging to the president of the Nationalist Party said today that the new development would replace an old and dangerous residence. It would be built further up the watercourse that the structure it would replace, and it would have a lesser environmental impact.

Architect Robert Musumeci referred to a statement issued by a number of NGOs (see separate story) and explained that the previous residence had a floor area of 134 sq metres. An application was submitted in 2000 for an outline development permit to replace this dangerous structure with another.

Mr Musumeci said the new structure would be shifted upwards from the current one and would thus be more distant from the valley floor. The lower part of the site would be rehabilitated.

The permit was issued on the basis of the arguments that had been made and throughout the process, no objections were lodged, Mr Musumeci said.

The development permit process was completely transparent, formal and legal and there were no grounds to instil doubts when none were justified, Mr Musumeci said.