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MaltaToday 6 November 2024 MIDWEEK

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6 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 6 NOVEMBER 2024 NEWS JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt KARL AZZOPARDI kazzopardi@mediatoday.com.mt Development overlooking Wied il-Ghasel set for refusal PA to finance reconstruction of historical footbridge in Ghajnsielem Proposal will encroach on ODZ and its design does not include the setbacks required by its proximity to the protected valley THE Planning Authority is set to refuse an application to demol- ish a villa in Mosta and replace it with a medical clinic, gym, and 19 apartments. The proposed development would see a new building being erected over five floors over- looking the protected Wied il-Ghasel valley. The proposal made by Jar- om investments, also includes the construction of a detached dwelling over two floors on 87sq.m of land, located on the pool area of the existing villa. The pool area is outside the de- velopment zone's boundary. A decision on the develop- ment is due on 29 November, but a case officer has outlined four main reasons for refusal. These include the fact that a dwelling is proposed outside development zones and that the building depth exceeds the permissible 30m. Additionally, the proposed development does not follow the topography of the site and fails to provide a transition- al design solution towards the outside development zone (ODZ). The proposed gym is also considered excessive for a residential area. The Environment and Re- sources Authority had previ- ously objected to the devel- opment, citing encroachment beyond the development zone boundary. Although the case officer notes that the proposed heights comply with the local plan, since the site overlooks a scheduled valley, it requires a design solution that minimises visual impacts on the ODZ. Furthermore, the proposed development does not provide any side setbacks away from the valley. Nearly 100 objections have been against the proposed de- velopment. The existing villa is to the left of the bridge that spans Wied il- Ghasel and its grounds stretch deep into the valley side with the swimming pool area (inset) being outside the development boundaries. THE Planning Authority (PA) has announced that it will be funding the reconstruction of a historically significant rural footbridge in Wied l-iMġarr, Għajnsielem. Through the PA's Develop- ment Planning Fund, this pro- ject will bring back to life the iconic Arched bridge that once spanned the valley, facilitating essential local passage until its collapse in the 1950s. Built from traditional Mal- tese Franka stone, the bridge's graceful arch stood at approx- imately eight meters, serving as a prominent landmark and practical crossing point. Though only remnants of its structure remain today, histor- ical photographs offer detailed references on its original form, which will guide the recon- struction with faithful accura- cy. "The PA's financial support towards the rebuilding of the historic footbridge in Wied il-Mġarr is a fitting example of our dedication to commu- nity-centered restoration. By funding this project, we are not only reviving a lost archi- tectural icon but also recon- necting Għajnsielem to its roots, enhancing accessibility and promoting sustainable de- velopment. This bridge, once a vital link for the people of Għa- jnsielem, will once again stand as a testament to the enduring legacy and shared heritage of the community," Ray Farrugia Chairperson of the Develop- ment Planning Fund said. This initiative is part of a broader vision for the valley's revitalization. Alongside the bridge restora- tion, Eco-Gozo will undertake a valley cleaning initiative, complemented by infrastruc- ture improvements for storm- water harvesting. The bridge project is being carried out by the Ghajnsielem Local Council and Eco Gozo. The valley of Wied il-Mġarr, the largest of Għajnsielem's three valleys, stretches from the village's eastern bounds to the shores of Mġarr harbour. The valley's rich, fertile lands have been cultivated for gen- erations, and the bridge once provided an important route across the valley for residents and farmers alike. The arched bridge that once spanned the valley, facilitating essential local passage until its collapse in the 1950s Planning Authority announces it will fund reconstruction of a historically significant rural footbridge in Wied l-iMġarr, Għajnsielem

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