Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1513064
3 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 13 DECEMBER 2023 NEWS Santa Lucija braced to lose green space JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt A Planning Authority case of- ficer is recommending the ap- proval of a five-storey block of 45 residential units on an open space in the middle of Santa Lucija. A date still must be scheduled for a public hearing during which a final decision will be taken by the authority. The proposed block will be built 80m from the locality's primary school. The final plans of the project will also include a 500sq.m public open space on an adja- cent plot set between the new development and another plot presently belonging to the gov- ernment, which was also iden- tified for residential develop- ment in a zoning application approved in 2020. The open space will host seven olive trees and a carob tree. Presently the area hosts around 25 trees including 20 olive trees. This application presented by Anton Camilleri seeks per- mission to excavate two levels of underground parking for 74 garages and 45 overlying res- idential units including four maisonettes, 35 apartments and six penthouses. The archi- tect responsible for the project is Labour Deputy Leader Dan- iel Jose Micallef. The case officer is recom- mending approval since the application respects planning parameters set in a zoning ap- plication approved in 2020 and because the proposed develop- ment will be stepped accord- ingly to follow the topography of the surrounding streets. Residents in the area ex- pressed concern on the loss of this open space, noting that it is these open spaces which give charm to the locality, original- ly planned around clusters of low-rise, social housing blocks of two or three floors. The Santa Lucija local coun- cil has unanimously objected to the apartment complex. No application has yet been presented on the part of the site entirely owned by gov- ernment, which means the government can still opt not to develop the part of the site which has been zoned for the construction of another apart- ment block. When the zoning application was approved, PA executive chairman Martin Saliba had confirmed that the land had been divided into two parcels of land so that the PA would not force the government "to transfer developable land to third parties when this land may be used more usefully for government projects". CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The agreement signed on Tuesday will also see the es- tablishment of a new company responsible for the organisation of the Premier League for five football seasons starting from 2024/25. This is expected to create more exposure opportu- nities which is aligned with the Malta FA's plans to upgrade the league. Commercial, branding, and other marketing rights will fall under the remit of the MPL. Meanwhile, the MFA will be entrusted with matters such as club licensing, player status, and disciplinary processes. A chairperson as well as two directors from each of the enti- ties will be chosen to form part of the board of directors with- in the new company, while the president of the MFA and the chairman of the MPL will sit on the board as ex-officio mem- bers. Addressing those present at a press conference, MFA Pres- ident Bjorn Vassallo described the agreement as a very impor- tant moment in Maltese football, saying that if handled correctly, this deal can benefit all parties involved in the league. He added that as times change, so too must the MFA change in order to bet- ter adapt to the times. Vassallo noted that many peo- ple, especially past football club presidents have long dreamt of this moment, and thanked all those involved in bringing the agreement into reality. From his end, MPL Chairman and ex-Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat said that this agreement will strengthen the entrepre- neurial spirit of Maltese football while creating a league that can sustain itself and its clubs. Muscat noted that despite the significance of the joint ven- ture, difficult decisions had to be taken, as he noted that this football season will see four teams relegated instead of the usual two. Despite this, he thanked all those involved and looked forward to see the fruit of the agreement. A 'historic day for Maltese football' A new company will be responsible for the organisation of the Premier League for five football seasons