Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1524813
12 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 2 AUGUST 2024 NEWS The history of Gozo is strongly coupled with the history of Malta, since Gozo has been governed by Malta throughout history. The brief exception was following the French garrison's surrender to the British under Captain Alexander Ball on 28 October 1798 during the uprising against French forces after Napoleon's conquest of Malta. Gozo then enjoyed a short period of autonomy until the French garrison in Valletta surrendered on 4 September 1800. On that day both Malta and Gozo became a British Protectorate before becoming a Crown colony in 1813. Did you know? JSL Properties is a property development company focusing on delivering high-quality property projects in Gozo, ensuring exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. We are committed to providing affordable and stylish living solutions that cater to diverse needs and preferences. +356 99486960 THE Coalition for Gozo, composed of the envrionmental NGOs Din l-Art Ħelwa, Wirt Għawdex, and Għawdix, deplores the approval by the Plan- ning Commission for an application (PA/07408/23) in Ta' Sruġ, Xagħra (Gozo), which will see a massive, six- unit ridge-edge development over- looking Il-Wied ta' Marsalforn. Strong objections were raised on sev- eral points, among them that this de- velopment breaches Policy P33 of the Development Control Design Policy, Guidance and Standards (DC2015). In a conspicuously apathetic report that did not address (much less engage with) any of the objections in question, Policy P33 was mysteriously skipped altogether by the case officer in the 'policy context' section. P33 states that such a number of units forming part of an internal residential development is not allowed, with all new proposed residential units being required to have direct frontage onto a public road. However, there is not a single unit within the proposed devel- opment that fronts a public road, the only access to the site being through a narrow alley in a small street. Strong objections were also voiced during a 4th of June meeting of the Planning Commission deciding on the application located in an Urban Con- servation Area, but the complaints did not faze Commission chairperson Martin Camilleri, who contended that although the proposed units do not front a public road, they front a valley. This point was strongly rebutted, for Policy P33 is clear in stating that such development is required to front a public road, making no mention what- soever of valleys. Nevertheless, Camil- eri, who remarked that the hearing was not a debate, proceeded to give his blessing, together with Commission members Frank Ivan Caruana Catania and Perit Joel Fenech, all three voting in favour of the development. The Coalition notes that it is shame- ful that NGOs have to continue as- suming the role of authority officials, whose job it is to properly scrutinise development applications but instead seem intent on bypassing policies and proper screening. The Coalition is also gravely con- cerned on account of the fact that the zone has long been known to have hosted caves, and in the past, archae- logical findings were also made in the area of Ta' Sruġ. The first discovery was by Rev. Francesco Mercieca, dat- ing back to December, 1938, with de- tails of the findings being detailed in a Museum Annual Report from that time. In its submitted representation, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage simply remarked that the proposed development is "a relatively moder- ate proposal not exceeding commit- ments" and that it "does not challenge the lie of the land along the ridge", and therefore did not object. It noted that the applicant was to inform of any ac- cidental discoveries, but, astonishing- ly, did not impose any archaeological monitoring despite the context of the site in question. The Environment and Resources Au- thority was likewise nonchalant about the application, and did not object to the felling of trees, simply requesting that they be transplanted to a site in Qala, where they are to be maintained for three years. Din l-Art Ħelwa, supported by Wirt Għawdex, and represented by Per- it Tara Cassar, has lodged an appeal. Meanwhile, the Coalition calls for the Government to put its money where its mouth is, and demonstrate that it truly cares to see proper scrutiny and diligence in regard to the country's heritage. NGOs decry and appeal 'outrageous' development permit in Xaghra The highlighted area is earmarked for the development of a six-unit ridge-edge project overlooking Il-Wied ta' Marsalforn Rear-Admiral Sir Alexander John Ball, 1st Baronet was a Royal Navy officer and colonial administrator who served as the Civil Commissioner of Malta.