Mepa has published the new policy framework through which planning applications for the design of tall buildings can now be evaluated and processed.

Defined as buildings with a height of over 10 floors, the policy sets out a number of criteria for a tall building projects to be considered.

The sites where tall buildings may be built must be within the  designated locations and must be in a detached urban block surrounded by existing or planned streets.

"The proposed building needs to satisfy a high quality design, such that it can become an icon of architectural quality that can make a positive contribution to the urban form and skyline, and support regeneration," Mepa said.

The policy framework also calls for tall building projects to create high quality, consolidated outdoor public spaces that are safe, attractive and which meet the needs of both the users of the building and the wider neighbourhood. Such open spaces must be bigger than 50% of the site area and should be designed such as to encourage people to linger. They need to incorporate  well-designed landscaping and street furniture without creating clutter.

Any proposed tall building must also comply with the criteria on land-use, infrastructure, transport, micro climate, sustainability and safety and with the provisions of the Guidelines on the Methodology for use of the Floor Area Ratio (FAR).

Tall buildings may be built in  Marsa, Gzira and Imriehel  predominantly for office uses and the Qawra peninsula, Paceville and Tigne peninsula predominantly for tourism/leisure uses.

Medium-rise buildings may be built in St. Julians, Sliema, Gzira, Msida, Pieta, Marsa, the urban areas of Bugibba/Qawra, St. Paul’s Bay and Marsascala and the Freeport area but the use should be restricted to offices only and the maximum overall height of the medium-rise building should not exceed 25m.

Last November, the Authority had published the proposed policy framework for a six week public consultation period during which various stakeholder and public meetings where held. 

The approved planning policy can be viewed on pdf below.

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