The Malta Environment and Planning Authority this morning approved the development of residential units Spinola, St Julians and the restoration and conversion of the historic Villa Frieres into a diplomatic residence.
The board unanimously approved the development which the proposer substantially downsized the project in an attempt to put an end to a long process which has been in the offing for the past 10 years.
The development will see 12 residential units, down from the original 21, commercial spaces at ground floor level and seven parking spaces. The developer will be paying close to €20,000 to make up for the parking spaces he could not offer as part of the project.
The applicant will have to contribute over €19,000 to the Urban Improvement Fund which can be used by the St. Julian’s local council for projects related to green transport, traffic management or outdoor recreational facilities which improve the quality of life for its residents.
The project, which includes the restoration of the historic Villa Frieres, beneath St Julian’s parish church, was first proposed in 2002.
It will extend from the present building line, between Saddles Bar and the villa’s gate, and the parish church parking area above.
The was up for discussion at the Malta Environment and Planning Authority board in March and again in April. On both occasions, the decision was put off for further clarification and approval by sanitary officials.
The original application had proposed the restoration and use of Villa Frieres as a diplomatic residence but part of the villa’s garden had to be taken up as a block of 21 apartments that would rise to seven storeys, as seen from the square.
Following heavy criticism by St Julian’s residents, the development was downsized, cutting the total number of apartments to 14 and eliminating an entire floor.
The major concern in April was about windows that overlooked third party properties. The windows have since been removed. Instead, internal yards were introduced, further reducing the size of the apartments and total building space. This also saw the number of apartments drop to 12.
The Curia, on behalf of the St Julian’s parish, was one of the objectors to the project but is now satisfied, after clearing its concerns with the developer.
A spokesman said that the remaining issues with the project did not directly affect the church.
However, Alternattiva Demokratika is still insisting that the development should not be approved because “it will make the beautiful Spinola area unattractive”.
In a statement, the AD spokesperson on development and home affairs, Carmel Cacopardo, said: “The proposed development dwarfs Spinola Square and is out of sync with its surroundings.”
He said the development would increase traffic in the area and contribute to a lower air quality in the area.
“The cumulative effect of this over-development has not only ruined St Julian’s but also creates an ever-increasing amount of vacant residencies,” he said.