Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1201983
7 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 19 JANUARY 2020 JAMES DEBONO IN an appeal against the Plan- ning Authority's refusal of their campus extension in Cottonera, the Jordanian company Sadeen Group has insisted the area of the proposed development "is not by definition public since it was granted to Sadeen, follow- ing the parliamentary resolu- tion, by title of emphytheusis." Sadeen was reacting to one of the main reasons given by the Planning Authority board for refusing a permit for its expan- sive extension in Bormla, on grounds that the new blocks "result in a loss of public open space within an urban area." Sadeen instead referred to the spaces affected by the project as "utilitarian" and not "public spaces" because of their use as a "makeshift car park and boat yard", which do not contribute to the character of the area. Moreover, Sadeen insisted that the staircase area, an area which Bormla residents do not want to be built up, will be de- veloped as an "open air theatre with an umbrella like structure aimed at enhancing space." In their appeal Sadeen claim that the photomontages of the project, which they had them- selves submitted, "give an in- correct impression of the static status of the vicinity", not tak- ing in consideration "the ani- mated status of the surround- ing built environment." Sadeen said it did so to dispute the PA board's conclusion that the project would "obstruct" views of Senglea Gate and the adjacent fortifications. As regards the proposed dormitory block in St Paul's Square, described as "exces- sive and out of scale" by the PA board, Sadeen is insisting that they are prepared to make changes to plans as suggested by the case officer, who recom- mended that a final decision on this part of the project should have been taken at a later stage. But the developers defended the principle of having a dor- mitory erected on the public square, adding that this will in- clude parking facilities "which will be of great benefit to sur- roundings" while improving the traffic situation. Moreover, they also claim that the proposed development aims to make the Cottonera ar- ea a student city, which will en- hance the regeneration of the area. The developers are insisting that the PA board was mistak- en in disregarding the case of- ficer's recommendation to ap- prove the project because the project conforms to a develop- ment brief issued in 2015. PA chairman Vince Cas- sar had shot down this argu- ment, saying that a significant amount of time had passed since 2015 and that the herit- age aspect had to be protected more than ever. "We gave you a chance to present new plans, but you insisted on sticking to the original plans... Therefore I have no choice but to call for a final vote," Cassar said. In response to the appeal pre- sented by the developers, the residents' organisation Tuna Artna Lura which led a grass- roots campaign against the pro- ject, have set up a GoFundMe pagee to raise €5,800 in dona- tions for legal and architectural fees (€3,500), reports and re- search (€1,000), printing, de- sign and resources (€1,000) and transfer fees (€300). Co-Founder Rebecca Crem- ona said: "Protesting on the street just isn't enough any- more. We've managed to stop the planning application, but AUM has now appealed... But now it will go to tribunal and that costs money, so we need to collect it. The system fa- vours those with money, AUM owners can afford costly legal fees. We cannot." NEWS church.mt TO LET 62, TRIQ IL-MIRATUR, FLORIANA The Administrative Secretary of the Archbishop's Curia will receive offers on behalf of the Malta Bible Society for the lease of the above prime site property, which is being leased tale quale. This majestic three-storey town house, plus a basement, is being rented on a 50-year commercial lease and is ideal for conversion into offices, a clinic, or a boutique hotel. The rent will be revisable every five years in accordance with the property index. Offers should clearly state the amount of annual rent being offered for the first five years. The property may be viewed upon request. For appointments please write to Mr Roberto Buontempo on roberto.buontempo@maltadiocese.org. Offers marked "Dar il-Bibbja" must reach the Administrative Secretary, at the Archbishop's Curia, St Calcedonius Square, Floriana, FRN 1535, by not later than noon of Saturday 29 th February 2020. The Administrative Secretary reserves the right to refuse even the most advantageous offer. AUM land in Cottonera is not public, Sadeen insists University developers insist photomontages they submitted give 'incorrect impression' of impact on 'animated' surroundings The developers defended the principle of having a dormitory erected on the public square, adding that this will include parking facilities "which will be of great benefit to surroundings" while improving the traffic situation