Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1327573
14 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 13 JANUARY 2021 COMMERCIAL THE building height restrictions that exist within the industrial parks of Im- riehel and Marsa are proposed to be re- moved as the Planning Authority seeks to introduce more flexibility in the pro- vision of industrial space within the Mal- tese Islands. The proposal, which will include amendments to the South Malta and Central Malta Local Plans, is for build- ing heights in these zones to be deter- mined by non-numeric, urban design policies; thus, achieving a balance be- tween optimising the space available whilst respecting the environment and the communities that live and work within these areas. The proposed urban design parame- ters which will guide the assessment of building heights will include the oper- ational needs of the business, the un- der-ground development potential, the topography of the site, the proximity of sites/buildings that must be safeguard- ed and the impact upon the skyline. The general massing and design of the build- ing must follow best practice in terms of environmentally sustainable design, neighbour compatibility, construction and operational management. No blank party walls will be allowed. Perit Joseph Scalpello, Assistant Di- rector for Planning said "We are put- ting forward these proposed changes because we are aware of the shortage of industrial space. Economic growth, new investment and the creation of bet- ter employment opportunities can only come about if we optimize the space we have in areas such as that of Mriehel and Marsa. For the Government's recently launched 'Industrial Infrastructure En- hancement Programme' to go forward and be successful such measures need to be introduced." Perit Scalpello added that "here we are not proposing a carte blanche approach but finding the right balance in the most sustainable man- ner." The proposed policy changes to the partial review of the South Malta Lo- cal Plan (policy SMMR 1) and the Cen- tral Malta Local Plan (policy CG14, as amended by planning control applica- tion PC57/10 of 2012) may be down- loaded from the Authority's website www.pa.org.mt. Submissions may be sent on email ad- dress industry.review@pa.org.mt and must be received by 29 January 2021. Urban design parameters to determine building heights at Mriehel and Marsa industrial parks