Reference is being made to articles ‘Siġġiewi social housing development based on “outdated social requirements”’ (July 27) and ‘Siġġiewi council insists that development brings problems’ (August 1).

This letter seeks to clarify various misinformed points made in such articles.

The ‘environmental and planning’ concerns raised by the council were already taken into consideration by the Housing Planning and Management Unit to ensure that such project does not negatively impact the community. The inclusion of a substation, day centre, childcare centre, parking spaces, shelter for the elderly and public landscaped areas in the project serve as proof of this.

It must also be noted that the main ‘land uses’ are the same as those approved in the previous permit. The competent authorities met with the local council several times and remain available to constructive suggestions that can be taken on board.

The first article describes the land in question as “vacant agricultural land” when, in fact, the land in question is an infill in the middle of other existing buildings, within the confinements of development, with planning permits in place and approved.

The Parliamentary Secretariat for Social Accommodation invites the local council not to adopt a ‘not-in-my-backyard’ approach as it fears that this will contribute to social exclusion and stigma when the project, intended to aid the most vulnerable in society, comes into effect.

The government remains committed to such projects to address concerns of affordable housing, in full respect of all the planning regulations and policies applicable.