The planning authority today unanimously refused an application for the development of villas and terraced houses in Attard.
A total of 16,160 square metres of the proposed development is on a site part of which is within the development zone set by Parliament’s 2006 decision on the Rationalisation of Development Boundaries exercise.
However, the proposal for development also included an area not allocated for development.
It was argued during the hearing that since the rationalisation scheme was decided by cabinet, the authority could not consider changing it. So the architect had to submit fresh plans in line with the scheme.
The site is located on the western periphery of the built up area of Attard and is within the Ta’ Qali Action Plan, which still defines the site as a strategic open space between developments.
The land is close to an area of ecological importance that is protected, and parts of the site are still used for agricultural purposes.
The application also included a new road, also outside the development zone boundary and not within the ownership of the applicants.
Malta Developers Association President Sandro Chetcuti is one of 18 plot owners forming Prince et al, on whose name the application was filed.