Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1485769
8 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 27 NOVEMBER 2022 NEWS JAM ES DEBONO HERITAGE Malta has ex- pressed grave concern on plans to turn the dilapidated Ħaġar Qim restaurant into a contemporary structure with extensive glazing, although photomontages show the site remaining practically invisible from the Mnajdra and Ħaġar Qim megalithic temples. But the new application fore- sees a massive 450sq.m dining area, a 104sq.m roof terrace and a 700sq.m open area with benches for an outdoor dining area. Heritage Malta, which ad- ministers the UNESCO world heritage site, said the exten- sive outdoor dining areas and rooftop restaurant will re- quire significant lighting, im- pacting both the adjacent Nat- ura 2000 site, as well as one of the very few remaining areas in the Maltese islands where the night sky can be observed. Heritage Malta also fears the "significant noise pollution" on the surrounding Natura 2000 site. It also warned that a rooftop restaurant may lead to the in- stallation of tented structures to result in yet another per- manent structure, and there- fore an increase in heights. Another major concern is traffic impact, because the restaurant will require 35 parking spaces for clients and employees, none of which are provided on-site. Heritage Malta made it clear that the private restaurant will not be allowed to use the parking ar- ea of the archaeological park, which is already "fully used for most hours of the day." Heritage Malta said the addi- tional traffic from the restau- rant, as well as noise and light pollution, and the massing of the proposed building, will impact negatively on both the Natura 2000 site and views from Ħaġar Qim. The Superintendence for Cultural Heritage also ex- pressed concern on the roof- top terrace as a dining area, saying any shading installa- tions would have a negative impact on the temples, while external lighting would im- pact the setting of the temples in the dark hours. The SCH wants a lighting plan to ensure "no lighting pollution" is cre- ated in the heritage park. While the applicant's pho- tomontages suggest the new development will be practical- ly invisible from both Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, the SCH wants photos from other van- tage points to assess better its visual impact. The applicant for the restau- rant is Maria Theresa Mallia, whose family had won a court eviction of the former restau- rant operators in 2019, closing a 14-year legal saga after the tenants opened the restaurant without the owners' consent. Hagar Qim resto raises concerns over light, noise and cars Heritage Malta has expressed "grave concern" on the reconstruction of the dilapidated Ħaġar Qim bar and restaurant just 100m off the World Heritage site Heritage Malta, which administers the UNESCO world heritage site, said the extensive outdoor dining areas and rooftop restaurant will require significant lighting, impacting both the adjacent Natura 2000 site, as well as one of the very few remaining areas in the Maltese islands where the night sky can be observed Rural Development Programme for Malta 2014-2020 Part financed by the European Union Co-financing Rate: 75% European Union; 25% Government of Malta The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas 27 th November 2022 European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development 2014-2020 ANNOUNCEMENT The Director General, Funds and Programmes Division, within the Parliamentary Secretariat for European Funds announces the re-issuing of a call for the following measure under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. Applications will open on Monday 28 th November 2022 and will close on Friday, 24 th February 2023 at noon. Measure Number Title of Measure 4.3 Measure 4.3 - Support for investments in infrastructure related to development, modernisation or adaptation of agriculture and forestry (Focus Area 2A) Further details on the call and the application process can be found on the website of the Managing Authority www.eufunds.gov.mt. For more information, the Managing Authority can be contacted on rdd.mefl@gov.mt or 2555 2634. Rural Development Programme for Malta 2014-2020 27 th November 2022 European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development 2014-2020 ANNOUNCEMENT The Director General, Funds and Programmes Division, within the Parliamentary Secretariat for European Funds announces the re-issuing of a call for the following measure under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. Applications will open on Monday 28 th November 2022 and will close on Friday, 24 th February 2023 at noon. Measure Number Title of Measure 4.3 Measure 4.3 - Support for investments in infrastructure related to development, modernisation or adaptation of agriculture and forestry (Focus Area 2A) Further details on the call and the application process can be found on the website of the Managing Authority www.eufunds.gov.mt. For more information, the Managing Authority can be contacted on rdd.mefl@gov.mt or 2555 2634.