Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1499488
6 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 17 MAY 2023 NEWS NEWS JAMES DEBONO A planning application has been presented to build a five-sto- rey block in a private garden deemed to be of environmental and architectural value several years ago. The proposed development will rise on an 806sq.m plot of land in Triq il-Wied in Qormi, some 85m away from the St George parish church. The application foresees the construction of five shops at ground floor level, an office and 17 apartments and four penthouses over five floors and a height of 17.5m. The development will overlook a narrow two-meter- wide alley. The private garden currently hosts 27 citrus trees, a fig tree and two olive trees. The application foresees the excavation of the garden to create 17 garages. Although surrounded by an old boundary wall the gar- den helps in absorbing rainwater in the flood prone area. Back in 2009 the Heritage Advisory Committee, a panel which used to advice the PA on heritage issues had object- ed to a proposed residential development because "both the existing dwelling and its garden have a considerable environmental and architectural value." The application which also included an adjacent old dwelling, was later withdrawn. Unlike the previous one the present application is lim- ited to the garden and does not include the old dwelling. The development is being proposed 15m from a Grade 1 listed building which includes ship graffiti dating back to the time of the Knights. Five-storey block proposed in historical Qormi garden Coeliacs spread the word on risk of undiagnosed food disease in children VEGGY Malta, in collaboration with the Coeliac Association Malta, is launching its second edition of the Malta Gluten & Lactose Free Week, taking place from Monday 15 May to Sunday 21 May. Coinciding with International Coeli- ac Day on 16 May, the week-long event aims to raise awareness about Coeliac disease, gluten intolerance, and lactose intolerance, with a series of educational initiatives to provide valuable informa- tion and insights. Participating supermarkets will offer exclusive discounts on gluten-free and lactose-free products, making it easier for individuals with dietary restrictions to access the products they need. Emphasizing the importance of ear- ly diagnosis in children, James Grima from the Coeliac Association Malta, said: "Our Association is dedicated to raising awareness about the signifi- cance of identifying Coeliac disease in children. We urge parents to be vigilant and test their children for Coeliac dis- ease, especially if there is a family his- tory. Early detection is crucial for their lifelong health and growth." It is estimated that first-degree rela- tives have a 1 in 10 chance of develop- ing the disease themselves. Coeliac disease is the most common food-related chronic disease among children in Europe, affecting 1% of chil- dren. Up to 80% of cases remain undiag- nosed in children. Despite being easy to detect and treat, diagnostic delays for coeliac disease can lead to children reaching 8 years before being diagnosed. "Achieving early diag- nosis of coeliac disease is critical to en- suring good lifelong health and provid- ing children with the ability to thrive," Grima said. "Of great importance of getting children diagnosed is the fact that malnutrition can result in lack of growth." To wrap up the week, the Health and Green Fair will take place on Sunday 21 May at Kennedy Grove, where a fami- ly-friendly event will host a 100% glu- ten-free and lactose-free food court. Complimenting the event will be sever- al market stalls showcasinga wide array of sustainable products and services by the community of Eco Market Malta. "There will be lots of kids' activities, free yoga sessions and talks for those seeking to deepen their knowledge re- garding food intolerances, and general wellbeing. Entrance is free!" Grima said. The Health and Green Fair will be from 10am to 6pm at the Kennedy Grove area, Salini Park in St Paul's Bay. Garden was deemed to be worthy of protection by heritage panel in 2009 The garden in Triq il-Wied in Qormi Malta Gluten & Lactose-Free Week launched, with Sunday fair at Kennedy Grove bringing week of supermarket discounts to a close