Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1195815
13 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 22 DECEMBER 2019 NEWS Towards localities of excellence • more cultural activities and restoration • more inclusion and mobility • initatives in favor of technology • more education • a cleaner environment • well-being of animals • physical activities, sport and a healtier life • environmental enforcement • more funds for Local and Regional councils PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIAT FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITIES Me y Christmas & a Happy New Year Bahrija villa gets green light despite ERA objections JAMES DEBONO A brand new two-storey villa set over 165sq.m has been ap- proved in the picturesque Til- liera area, a Natura 2000 site, instead of a 45sq.m building despite objections from the En- vironment and Resources Au- thority and the Superintend- ence for Cultural Heritage. The villa, proposed by Maria Baldacchino, was approved by the Planning Commission on the basis of the controversial ru- ral policy permitting the recon- struction of countryside ruins as villas, if a proof of previous residence is presented. The PA recently announced a revision of the rural policy, but permits are still being issued on the basis of this policy which re- mains in place. In this particular case, no doubts have been raised on the previous use of the building as a dwelling but objections were presented by both the ERA and the Superintendence, due to the sensitive location of the de- velopment in an Area of High Landscape value, an Area of Ar- chaeological Importance, and a Natura 2000 site. The PA's planning directorate had originally opposed the de- velopment. To refuse the per- mit, the planning directorate invoked a provision in the rural policy guidelines, stating that any extension to an existing building outside development zones must be of "a compatible design and must respect the ru- ral context". Moreover, the swimming pool was deemed in breach of anoth- er provision of the policy, which bans such development in pro- tected archaeological areas like this one. But subsequently, the PA's planning commission chaired by architect Elizabeth Ellul, sig- nalled its intention to approve the development as it complied with existing policy. The com- mission also ordered a reduc- tion of the villa's floorspace and recommended that the pool be raised above ground level in- stead of being sunken into the ground, to avoid excavations in the archaeologically sensitive area. The developers presented new plans, reducing the floor space at first floor level by 35sq.m, and the total floor area from 200sq.m to 165sq.m, as well as photomontages showing how the new structures will impact the surrounding rural area. jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt Before and after: despite objections from the ERA and the superintendence, this two-storey villa has got its permit from the PA planning commission