Last updated at 6.05pm

The Planning Authority board has expressed a preliminary opinion against the development of the Farsons business park, which the company has taken - in a announcement on the Stock Exchange - as a rejection.

The Planning Directorate had recommended the approval of permit PA-02523/16 for the creation of a business park along the Rabat road, Mrieħel that consisted of international Grade A offices with landscaped courtyards and multi-level car parking facilities.

The €40 million development was earmarked to complement the rehabilitation of the Old Brewhouse that sought to restore and convert the industrial space and included a Visitor Centre Experience with supporting food and other retail outlets, flexible workspace and additional amenities.

Planned for completion by the end of 2020, the project, designed by Ian Ritchie Architects Limited, with the support of Malta-based engineers, TBA Periti, was to have over 18,000 square metres of offices.

Read: Farsons submits plans for business park

Simonds Farsons Cisk said that the board of directors would be meeting within the next 24 hours to consider the implications of this "unexpected decision" by the Planning Authority board

PLANNING AUTHORITY EXPLAINS

The Planning Authority explained in a statement that although the proposed development was not in accordance with planning policies, the Planning Directorate had recommended the project for approval as it was of the opinion that the proposed development could give additional value to the area.

During the first public hearing last month, the board members showed concern that the proposal was not according to policy. To address this concern, Farsons decided to suspend the application to prepare a Masterplan. The board agreed and accepted the applicant’s request for a suspension.

After three weeks, Farsons opted not to submit a Masterplan and decided to proceed for a decision with the current policies.

"At today’s meeting, the board members noted that the proposed project did not follow the provisions of the local plan and neither the Floor Area Ratio  policies and expressed a preliminary opinion that they do not agree with the recommendation of the directorate. The final formal vote on the application will be taken at a future sitting."

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