Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1343350
7 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 24 FEBRUARY 2021 NEWS JAMES DEBONO THE Planning Authority has approved three separate applications by the own- ers of Villa Arrigo in Naxxar, to develop six large villas on an extensive 3,000sq.m plot which are part of the wedding hall's extensive gardens. The development will result in the up- rooting of 57 trees, mostly protected, ma- ture cypress and almond trees, as well as the shifting of 87 other trees, mostly con- sisting of citrus, fig, olive and date palm trees. The Environment and Resources Au- thority still has to issue a nature permit for the uprooting of the trees and the permit will only become executable upon the issue of this permit. Villa Arrigo's plans foresaw the remov- al of planters, fountains, reservoirs and landscaping to build six semi-detached villas, including basement, landscaping and pools. The Planning Authority had already ap- proved a zoning application in June 2019, paving the way for the development of an 8m-wide road to cater for the new villas. The approval was issued against a clear recommendation by the case officer to re- fuse these plans, deemed to be in breach of the Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development which aims to protect green open spaces in urban areas. The Naxxar local council had also ob- jected to the application since the pro- posal will result in the loss of part of the gardens of Villa Arrigo. Presently, the area is zoned for develop- ment up to a depth of 30 metres. The proposal was also deemed to be in breach of policies against the devel- opment of gardens and backyards, apart from creating safety problems, in view that large parts of it do not have visibility from the main road. Architect Edwin Mintoff defended the application insisting that the proposed road confirms with the local plan because the area is zoned for residential use and is not part of the urban conservation area. Six villa complex approved in Villa Arrigo gardens PA has approved six villas on part of the wedding hall's gardens prior to ERA having issued a nature permit for the uprooting of 57 trees