The Planning Authority is proposing that a 23,000m² site adjacent to the Mosta Technopark, in an area known as Sgħajtar, to be zoned as a residential and commercial area with open landscaped spaces.

In the proposal, which has been issued for public consultation, the PA said it has taken into consideration the surrounding land uses, site constraints, and community and open space needs of the area.

The site forms part of a larger area was designated for development through the 2006 rationalisation exercise.

The height limitation for this site is being retained as three floors with semi-basement, similar to the immediate existing residential development blocks in the surrounding area.

“With a lack of public green open spaces in the newer residential areas of both Mosta and Naxxar, the authority is proposing that within the site an area of 3,348 square metres is safeguarded for this purpose. This area may be developed into public recreational facilities, including a child play area, a landscaped seating area or open small-scale outdoor sports facilities.

"Underground ancillary uses to the residential development or to the public open space, including parking may be considered. These ancillary uses need to be located completely below street level,” it said, adding that the cost of developing and maintaining the public open space would be borne by the developers of the area as a monetary planning gain.

The full policy proposal, maps and the public submissions received for Phase 1 may be viewed on the Authority's website www.pa.org.mt/consultation. 

Submissions on the proposal are to be made in writing to: Director of Planning, Review of the CMLP – Sghajtar, Mosta, Planning Authority, St Francis Ravelin, Floriana or through e-mail address: mosta.sghajtar@pa.org.mt.

Submissions are to be received by the Authority not later than July 2.