Mepa this morning put off a decision on a development application for the re-development of the Villa Frieres site in the heart of Spinola, between the parish church and the square. The decision was deferred until the Mepa environment protection directorate is given more information on the uprooting of trees.
The application proposes the restoration and use of Villa Friers as a diplomatic residence and the building of 21 apartments overlying shops in Spinola Square.
Much of the discussion this morning centred on the size of the proposed development, with neighbours and representatives of Flimkien Ghal Ambjent questioning how Mepa could claim that the project (which will be on a slope) conformed to the local plan limitation of three floors plus a penthouse when the building as proposed would be seven floors high as seen from Spinola.
Mepa officials said this was a corner block and the height was calculated from the middle of the alley on the side. FAA representative Astrid Vella said that such calculations were normally taken on the basis of the façade, which was of seven floors.
An architect representing the Curia said the view from the church square was designated by Mepa as a view corridor which should not be obstructed.
Several complaints were made that the apartment block would be too big for the site while the developers insisted that the project would actually embellish a degraded site and restore a dilapidated villa. They also insisted that the size of the block was not excessive.
Mepa chairman Austin Walker raised questions on the contrasting design style of the proposed building, with traditional Maltese styling on the lower floors and a heavily glassed design on the top floors.
Architect Edwin Mintoff defended the design saying the plans had been resubmitted many times and were in accordance of the wishes indicated by the Cultural Heritage Committee.
PLANNING DIRECTORATE RECOMMENDS APPROVAL
The Mepa Planning Directorate has recommended approval of the project.
It said in a report to the Mepa board it stated that: The proposed development is in line with the Local Plan’s parameters for land use and building height whilst protecting the visual integrity of the existing scheduled villa and nearby parish church. The building being proposed together with the restoration of the villa will contribute positively towards the upgrading and regeneration of the area and will result in a high quality development."
The site has an area of 1860m² and consists of Villa Frieres, a Level 2 scheduled building, and its surrounding garden. It also includes a number of existing commercial units facing Spinola square and their respective airspace which is also accessibly from public staircase on the eastern part of the site.
In terms of the latest proposal, the old villa will be retained, rehabilitated and used as a diplomatic residence. Most of its garden will also be retained.
A terraced apartment block will be built on the roof of the existing commercial units and part of the villa's garden. The proposal also includes the creation of new commercial units, where these do not belong to third parties and the formation of a car park behind these commercial units.