Update 11.15am - PA defers decision

A decision on an application to build 27 apartment on a single virgin plot in Lija was deferred by the Planning Authority today. 

The proposal had prompted a barrage of criticism from Lija local council, residents and environmental groups. 

NGO Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar welcomed the decision, saying it would enable the council and NGOs to better present their case.

It said the streetscape and quality of life of the village were being imperiled by the proposal. 

"The policy that was touted as an enlightened planning guidance document, is repeating the mistakes of the Pullicino regulations which, by allowing four and five floors in Urban Conservation Areas, destroyed many of Malta’s traditional villages cores," the FAA said. 

It also noted that application is being decided in record time, just three weeks from public submissions, where a similar application in Sliema has been ongoing since 2009.

"The Planning Authority Case Officer reports that the 30 metre limit of development from the street is being exceeded by two metres and actually justifies this excessive encroachment on the grounds that due to future encroachment “hardly any open space will be left” – that is all the more reason to ensure the legal limits are respected as of now! Encroachment beyond the legal limit was enough to bring a development in Balzan to a screeching halt," the FAA said.