Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1493916
2.3.2023 11 COMMERCIAL TO reduce the pressure for cemetery extensions in the long term, the Plan- ning Authority has published proposed spatial policy and design guidance which will serve to direct and assess development applications pertaining to standalone cremation facilities. e proposed policy review specifies that crematoria which will not form part of an existing cemetery may only be considered if they are located out- side the development zone but up to 1.5 km from the boundary of the Prin- cipal Urban Area (PUA) for Malta. Reason being to avoid the prolifer- ation of sites and centralise them in close proximity to the main centres of population. In Gozo, the siting of cre- matoria is to be located around the Ra- bat/Xewkija area. All proposals for standalone cremato- ria need to be supported by the Health Authorities for further consideration. Once these key criteria are satisfied, standalone crematoria will only be considered if they are located within a number of appropriate locations. Additionally, a crematorium must be suitably linked to roads forming part of the Ten-T core, comprehensive, ar- terial and distributor road network, as confirmed by Transport Malta, and can accommodate a safe access from and to it. e draft policy identifies a number of sites where proposed standalone crematoria will not be permitted, for example sites scheduled as Areas of High Landscape Value amongst many others. Every crematorium should have a front of house area, intended for the parking of the hearse and ceremonial vehicles; an indoor ceremony building, and an outdoor space designated for the scattering of ashes with a garden of remembrance. e ceremony building which cannot exceed a footprint of 500sq.m must include a mortuary, a viewing room, a cremation chamber and other relat- ed facilities. e height of the building cannot exceed 7.7m with allowance for architectural features and the chimney structure. Overall, the design must create a low profile but appealing structure with a clean and elegant yet simple profile that is sympathetic to its location and surroundings. e design must provide a feeling of peacefulness and tranquil- lity through the appropriate massing, choice of materials, colours and land- scaping. Underground parking may be consid- ered within the 500sq.m built compo- nent only. No excavation beneath the open space areas including the garden of remembrance will be permitted. e open spaces and the garden of remembrance must be suitably land- scaped with trees, shrubs and flower- ing and must provide a dignified and humane funerary space with walkways and water features. Lighting must be kept to the minimal possible. e cremators must be equipped with the best available filtration and abate- ment technology systems to the satis- faction of ERA and the Superintendent of Public Health, and these are to be maintained to the best of standards. Electric cremators would also be pre- ferred, as they reduce the carbon foot- print and can be offset by RES installed on site. Crematorium developments are to follow the legal health requirements, guidance and standards that ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of cremato- ria operations as legally established by the Ministry for Health and Superin- tendent for Public Health through the Cremation Act and Operational Health Standards. In case of ceasing of operations as a crematorium, the change of use to an- other land use, is strictly prohibited unless it involves the rehabilitation of the site to an environmentally accept- able natural state. e proposed review policy may be downloaded from the PA's website www.pa.org.mt/consultation e Authority is inviting individuals and organisations to send their sub- missions related to this review policy. Representations are to be made in writ- ing to the: Planning Authority, Review of the Cemeteries Policy and Design Guidance (2015) St Francis Ravelin, Floriana, FRN1230, or through email address: cemeteries.policy@pa.org.mt Submissions must be sent to the Au- thority by not later than 31st March 2023. PA publishes proposed design guidance for crematoria