Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1495215
11 NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 19 MARCH 2023 Guest house proposed instead of disused Kuncizzjoni building JAMES DEBONO A restaurant aiming for Miche- lin Star status and eight guest rooms with outdoor pools are being proposed instead of a dis- used building in the picturesque Kuncizzjoni area in Rabat. The existing building, which is presently abandoned, was originally approved as a poul- try farm in 1980 but was sub- sequently turned into a restau- rant with guest rooms through a permit issued in 1992. Plans submitted by Mic En- tertainment in an application presented by Wigi Micallef, who also owns the Green Sup- plier Garden Centre, envisage the complete demolition of the disused building, formerly known as Alcaraz, and its re- placement with a restaurant, eight guest rooms and two green houses. The main building will con- sist of a basement level and the overlying ground floor will house the reception, the restau- rant kitchen and seating areas. A garden and pool will be lo- cated at roof level. A separate building, partly sunken in the terrain will house the eight guest accommodation rooms, each of which will have a pri- vate pool and a terrace. The site in question is in the limits of Bahrija within a scheduled area of High Land- scape Value and near the Vic- toria Lines along the ridge. The Environment and Re- sources Authority has already expressed its concern that ap- proval of this proposal would lead to the intensification of urban development which will impact negatively on the rural character of the site and may lead to future development pressures in this sensitive area. The ERA is presently assessing whether the project would re- quire an EIA but has already decreed that such a develop- ment is objectionable from an environmental point of view. The Superintendence for Cul- tural Heritage has also asked for photomontages of the pro- ject from different views before issuing its recommendations. But in a Project Development Statement the developers con- tend that the project is based on a concept of "sustainability and self-sufficiency", with the purpose being that of offering "a unique culinary experience" to patrons whereby guests can stay in the guest house follow- ing their meal cooked with pro- duce which is grown on-site. The restaurant is described as "high-end", one which would aim for Michelin status. The proponents also claim that the project will represent a visual improvement due to the lowering of the high boundary walls on all four sides and the replacement of paved areas with soft landscaping. The PDS acknowledged that the devel- opment will result in light pol- lution in the secluded area but proposes low-lying lighting to the impact on the surround- ings. Investing in funds can provide several benefits We offer over 9,000 Global Funds Benefit from 50% discount on initial fees Diversification Professional management Variety of asset classes Offer valid until 30 th April 2023, terms apply. Calamatta Cuschieri Investment Services Ltd (CCIS) is licensed to conduct investment services business under the Investments Services Act (CAP370) by the MFSA. The value of investments, and the income therefrom, may go down as well as up and past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance, nor a reliable guide to future performance. Investments in financial instruments carry the risk that the investor may lose some or all of the capital invested. Currency fluctuations may affect the value of investments and any income derived.