Birkirkara residents have submitted objections to a development that will see the building of an old people's home in the heart of the town. 

According to the Planning Authority website, the development is still at the vetting stage, awaiting the submission of additional information from the architect in charge.

“I feel like they are trying to buy us off,” he said, adding that the project in Triq Ganu did not make sense because the road was already heavily congested.

“This is the only open space left in the area and the impact of the project on our lifestyle will be significant, not to mention its effect on the financial value of our residences,” another resident commented in written submissions to the planning watchdog. 

This is the last remaining fielding Birkirkara

“This is not only my opinion but also that of the majority of the people who live in the surrounding area. This is the last remaining field in Birkirkara and it should be left as an open space.”

He complained that the building on the site in question was completely out of line since most houses in the area were three storeys high.

Asked about the residents’ concerns, Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi said Birkirkara was an ageing locality and the authorities wanted to offer elderly residents the possibility of continuing to live in their hometown.

“It is normal that the government announces projects even when applications are still not approved,” he commented. 

Otherwise, he added, the media would be critical of projects not being announced in advance as soon as these appeared on the PA website.

Correction 10.29am: The article incorrectly referred to a ministerial announcement concerning a different project in Birkirkara.