Din L-Art Ħelwa this evening expressed concern at the Planning Authority’s interpretation of the Development Control Design Policy Guidance and Standards 2015.

Referring to the authority’s advice to applicants in the case of the application for 27 apartments in a development zone in Lija, it said the PA’s interpretation resulted in five floors as opposed to three floors in a development zone consisting of single and two storey villas and terraced houses in Triq Daniel Sammut.

Din L-Art Helwa said it fully supported the residents and council in their attempt to curb this excessive development, which was recommended for approval.

“The implications of such an approval are horrific not simply for Lija but for all Malta and Gozo.

“The approval of this application will set a precedent for the development and fuel re-development of any sites marked as three floors to be redeveloped as five floors.”

The implications, it said, were horrific and possibly illegal.

Such interpretation could fuel further demolition and rebuilding for developers to have more floor area for speculation with the resultant disturbance to the health and daily lives of residents.

“These new height limitations will result in density which is unprecedented and may not be sustained by the infrastructure of our towns and villages; and

“The resultant increase in floors and density will result in devaluation of property in the immediate vicinity of such development. “

At the very least, the organisation said, the people should have been informed about the interpretation of such a policy, and that in fact contextuality was in fact not the kernel of the policy but maximising on floors and density was the rule of the day.

Din L-Art Helwa called on the authority and the Parliamentary Committee for Planning to review the application and the manner in which the Development Contol Design Policy Guidance and Standards 2015 was being interpreted.