Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1258061
11.06.2020 10 TOWNSCAPES GREATER vigilance will be the rule of the game when assessing and determin- ing proposed development applications which fall in close proximity to a sched- uled building or monument. This approach is being adopted af- ter the Planning Authority published clearer guidelines on how to identify, interpret, and treat the setting/context of scheduled buildings. Martin Saliba, Chairperson of the PA's Executive Council said "Each scheduled building is located within a spatial con- text with which it relates to in different aspects. The setting is, therefore, an es- sential part of the building and how it is experienced." "For this reason, the spatial context deserves specific attention. These pro- cedural guidelines better spell out how we intend not to compromise our built cultural heritage." These guidelines seek to consolidate the spirit behind Thematic Objective 8 of the SPED which advocates for safe- guarding the context and setting of sites that carry heritage value. The Planning Directorate, when as- sessing a development application that is in close proximity to a scheduled building/monument must at screening stage or following the validation of the application identify the proximity of the setting of the scheduled property, make a detailed assessment of the im- pacts of the proposed development on the protected building and identify the mitigation measures to be taken. This assessment process must be sup- ported by recommendations made by the Superintendence of Cultural Herit- age (SCH). Once the extent of the context is es- tablished on the recommendations of the SCH, an applicant will be required to provide the Planning Directorate with a complete photographic inven- tory and "character appraisal" of the context. To further assess the visual implications and potential impacts on the scheduled building, photomontage(s) from strate- gic viewpoints will also be required. The SCH has the right to request any other information deemed necessary. The Authority is to make it a requi- site that all proposed development that may be applied for through the Sum- mary Process and which may have an adverse impact on the integrity and character of the setting of a scheduled building, within a 50m radius from its boundary, will need to be processed as a full development application. In this way, proposed works at such sensitive sites are effectively scruti- nised. To view the guidelines visit www. pa.org.mt PA procedural guidelines on visual integrity of scheduled buildings and monuments Marsaxlokk parish churh Ta' Kola windmill