Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1489386
6 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 4 JANUARY 2023 NEWS NEWS Superintendence clears the way for development of Kalkara's green lung JAMES DEBONO THE Superintendence for Cul- tural Heritage has cleared the development of 88 apartments on a green open space in Kalkara after it viewed photomontages presented by the developer. The photomontages show minimal impact on the town- scape and suggest the develop- ment over 6,200sq.m of green space will be harmonious with its surroundings. It was the Superintendence which asked the applicant to submit photomontages after expressing concern that the project originally approved in 2012 could be in breach of SPED policies protecting urban townscapes. But after analyzing the photo- montages the SCH concluded that the proposed development does not have a direct impact on any known cultural herit- age assets and does not have a negative impact on the urban environs and view of the Grand Harbour area. However, since the site in question is located within an area of archaeological poten- tial, the SCH has ordered that any works should be monitored by an archaeologist in line with terms of reference issued by the Superintendence of Cultur- al Heritage. Just a few weeks ago the SCH had expressed concern on the "very extensive nature of this development", adding that its "intensity" will "inevitably con- dition the urban environment of the Urban Conservation Ar- ea of Kalkara, and will inevita- ble be visible from across the harbour, conditioning general views and vistas of Kalkara and the Grand Harbour" While the Superintendence acknowledged that this pro- posal is a renewal of an exist- ing permit, the Superintend- ence drew attention to growing awareness of such impacts on the Urban Conservation Area. It is also noted that policies have evolved since 2012, and therefore the proposal must re- flect the SPED policies for such a historical urban centre. While the photomontages confirm that the development will not jar with the surround- ing architecture, the project is being opposed by residents be- cause of the loss of biodiversity and an urban green space. In their objection presented by architect William Lewis res- idents have also expressed con- cern on possible flooding as a result of the loss of soil which presently absorbs storm water. The green lung also includes very old carob trees. The land in question was con- troversially included in devel- opment zones in 2002 when a part of the valley was granted protection while another part was earmarked for develop- ment. Fino's application was approved in 2012 despite op- position by the local council, and renewed through the full application process in 2017. This permit is set to expire in January 2023. In 2017, the application was renewed with the condition that neighbouring properties are surveyed before commence- ment of works, since several safety issues were raised with regards to excavation works because of the alleged presence of wells, hallows, and caves in the area. The condition will still stand if the permit is renewed. More- over, the Planning Authori- ty can also impose additional conditions. The existing view from the waterfront (top) compared to a photomontage of the same view once project is completed (above) The existing view from the sea (top) compared to a photomontage of the same view once project is completed (above) Development would obliterate 6,200sq.m of green space but photomontages suggest that the development will be harmonious with its surroundings