The planning authority’s environment unit has raised concerns over the possible increase in particulate matter during and after the reconstruction of popular Smart supermarket in Birkirkara.

The Environment Protection Directorate said it had “significant concerns” when it came to air quality, especially about higher levels of PM10, very fine dust, predicted for 2020 with the proposed development in operation”.

However, implementing a travel plan with clear and tangible targets for traffic reduction would ensure the “severity of any impacts on air quality” from the development would be reduced as realistically as possible.

The directorate was giving its reaction to the environment impact report for the redevelopment, which includes the phased demolition of the building and reconstruction of a new shopping complex.

The current site area is of approximately 22,469 square metres – almost an entire street block with three levels above the ground and three below.

The project involves expanding the site and increasing the floor area. The supermarket will be kept on a single level.

The new complex will be spread over nine levels – five below ground and four above – together with a large shopping frontage and a landscaped piazza. It will have 828 car parking spaces.

The directorate also suggested an air quality, noise and vibration monitoring plan during the construction phase.