Xemxija residents fight to keep their unobstructed view

A number of Xemxija residents have come out strongly against a proposal to drop a two-storey building and construct a set of apartments they say would block their view of the bay.

The application came up for discussion at a planning authority board meeting on Thursday.

Project architect Alex Torpiano explained that the design fell in line with the policies for the area. But about 15 residents, represented by architects Edward Said and Svetlana Sammut, argued the development would ruin the place because it would create a “wall”.

The chairman of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, Austin Walker intervened several times during the meeting to ask people to remain calm after residents expressed anger.

They urged Mr Walker to accept a suggestion made by board member Joe Falzon to postpone the decision until the board visited the site.

“Four storeys is the maximum height limit in the area allowed by the local plan but it doesn’t mean the board should allow buildings to go that high,” Ms Sammut said. If there was a mistake in the local plan, then it should be reviewed, she argued.

The plan is to tear down the four apartments and replace them with a four-storey detached building of eight apartments, a penthouse and semi-basement garages. The building, in Simar Street, dates back to the 1960s and, just like the rest of the buildings constructed in that era and area, it is detached and only two storeys high.

But over the years, other buildings around it have been demolished and structures of differing levels have gone up.

The case officer’s report points out that the proposed building complies with all the policies, including the local plan, but is not in context of the current streetscape. The planning directorate has recommended the project for approval.

Joe Muscat, a resident, said the proposed building was situated exactly in front of his house. “Twenty years ago we made a huge sacrifice and invested a lot of money because we wanted to bring up our families in Xemxija. Now, all of a sudden, this dream is going to disappear,” he said.

But applicant Mark Fenech argued the development fell in line with the local policies. “We are making a mockery of the local plan. I don’t want to be discriminated against when 50 metres away there is another development going on.”

Just before the board was due to vote, Mr Walker pointed out that the local plan was a tool for development and applications. “We know that in certain circumstances it is easy to make mistakes and that what is on paper might be different,” he said.

The board accepted Mr Falzon’s proposal and decided to carry out an onsite visit before making its decision.