Notorious DCC courts more controversy on Polidano project

James Debono

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority has removed a controversial note from its website which stated that the Development Control Commission (DCC) found the development of apartments in Balzan’s characteristic gardens in Triq il-Kbira to be “compatible with the local plan”.
The interpretation of the local plan is deemed controversial because it would have set a precedent that would allow for development inside characteristic gardens such as those in Balzan, but also in the Lija, Birkirkara and Attard areas.
The same DCC board had resigned a few days before the election after the MEPA audit office deemed a permit issued to Charles Polidano, for a supermarket outside the development zone in Safi, to be illegal. The same board is also under scrutiny for issuing an outline permit for a discotheque in Mistra.
In the Balzan case, the case officer had originally recommended a refusal of this application but the DCC board deferred the case to a later date after declaring that the latest plans submitted by the developers conformed with the local plans.
The Balzan application, also presented by construction magnate Charles Polidano, is for 43 apartments, the restoration of two old houses, and an underground car park for 121 cars.
Specifically, Policy CG09 of the Central Malta Local Plan precludes the building of any new dwelling units in characteristic gardens in the Attard, Lija and Balzan area. It states clearly that “MEPA will not consider any development or redevelopment which create new independent residential and non residential units, including garages” in these open space enclaves.
The only exception to this rule is for development which puts dilapidated and unused buildings back in to use.
But the local plan states clearly that any new buildings should be physically attached to the main existing building.
The site earmarked for the Balzan development is also subject to an enforcement action, since the back gardens had been cleared of all trees and that part of the same building was demolished. The high garden walls were also breached to allow for the passage of heavy machinery.
Court action was taken by the Environmental Inspectorate for the felling of the scheduled trees.
MEPA’s own Heritage Advisory Committee also deemed that the application could not be favourably considered.
Din L-Art Helwa had also objected claiming that at least one of the properties dates back to over 300 years ago and had been used by Grand Master De Rohan as his country residence.
The developers intend restoring the existing two buildings, the garden and the dovecot, apart from the villas, apartments, and the 121 underground car spaces. They argue that the project is an opportunity to demonstrate how large unused areas within a UCA can be redeveloped to fit into the existing urban setting by respecting the architectural and cultural heritage.
The only reference to the board’s decision that the development conforms to the local plan is now found in the directorate’s comments in the case officer report. MEPA has so far not replied why the board’s comments were removed from the online details of the application.

jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt

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