Residents against proposed development

I refer to application PA 3258/09 for the "demolition of townhouse and construction of six terraced houses with underground parking at 57, 58, 59 and 60, Main Street, Balzan".

As a resident of Balzan who has the preservation and conservation of this typical village and its distinguishing features very much at heart, I would like to express my strong objections to the proposed development for various reasons.

First of all, the proposed development goes counter to Policy CM02 of the Central Malta Local Plan, which is intended to protect gardens and open spaces in Balzan. The proposed development will imply the development of an existing open garden, and would therefore run counter to the design guidelines for development within the Urban Conservation Areas (UCA) and the relative Structure Plan policies.

The Central Malta Local Plan states that in the open space enclaves in the UCA of Balzan, as designated on the relevant Area Policy maps, Mepa will not consider any development or redevelopment proposals that create new independent residential or non-residential units, including garages for vehicles.

Secondly, the proposed development of such a garden would lead to the loss of an important open space within this particular UCA. This garden is currently performing an important function as it provides separation and distance between adjacent land uses and also helps to protect the current amenity and traditional townscape characteristics.

This garden is one of the village's few surviving 'green lungs', and is an integral part of its morphology. Within this context, it is pertinent to state that the existing traditional garden included trees and important features which the developer has removed illegally and which should have been retained. It is earnestly hoped that Mepa will make the developer restore the garden to its original state.

Furthermore, the proposed dismantling of the existing corner building to provide vehicular access to the underground parking is not acceptable. The historical importance of this particular site and the adjoining structures require that the area be given adequate protection.

The area in question, which forms part of the Balzan village core, is very sensitive and is surrounded by buildings which are over 300 years old. Heavy works, such as those that would take place in the excavation and construction phase, will endanger such structures.

Finally, may I point out that two similar applications on the same site, i.e. PA 1420/03 and PA 8207/05, have already been refused by Mepa. For the sake of consistency, and since no new policies have been approved which allow this type of development, Mepa should refuse this particular application outright.

In making this plea I am surely reflecting the worries and concerns of the majority of the people of Balzan, and I am convinced that the local council will endorse my objections and voice its strong objections to this application.