Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1529555
4 NEWS 4 JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt KARL AZZOPARDI kazzopardi@mediatoday.com.mt maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 20 NOVEMBER 2024 Planning officer recommends sanctioning of Black Gold's illegal expansion A case officer is recommend- ing the regularisation of an ille- gal extension of the Black Gold bar seating platform despite this leading to reduced pavement space. Sanctioning the illegal exten- sion means the public passage- way along The Strand in Sliema will remain 1.5m wide in breach of a permit issued in 2016. When the platform was origi- nally approved eight years ago, it required a 2m pedestrian corridor between the bar and the outdoor seating area. How- ever, pedestrians walking along the crowded bar area today have to squeeze through a 1.5m passageway. The case officer's recommen- dation to sanction the illegality overrules a firm objection by Transport Malta. The author- ity has argued that the reduc- tion in pavement width com- promises pedestrian safety. A final decision by the Planning Commission is scheduled for 15 January. The reduction in the pedestri- an corridor resulted from the installation of a larger canopy and the expansion of customer floorspace, which encroached on the public pavement. The case officer argued that the proposed regularisation affects only "the inner side of the catering area – between the existing catering area and the restaurant," resulting in a reduction of the inner pedes- trian access from 2m to 1.5m. Despite this change, the officer claimed it remains in line with the policy regulating outside catering areas in public spaces. The case officer acknowl- edged Transport Malta's ob- jection concerning pedestrian safety but noted: "However, since the changes being sanc- tioned are on the inner side of the catering area and the minimum 1.5m pedestrian ac- cess is still being respected, the Authority finds no objection to this proposal." The proposed changes will result in a 6sq.m increase in customer floorspace, which will require the use of an addi- tional car parking space. This will be compensated through a monetary contribution to the community parking scheme. The reduction in the pedestri- an passage width has already increased the seating area from the approved 57sq.m to 63.5sq.m. In a formal objection, the Sliema council criticised the application, calling it a symp- tom of the "develop now, sanc- tion later" approach that has characterised previous appli- cations for the same site. The platform itself was regularised in 2016 after being installed without prior approval. The council highlighted that, while the changes comply with the minimum 1.5m width for pedestrian passages as set by the policy regulating outdoor catering areas, this width is on- ly a minimum and not an abso- lute rule. The policy also gives permitting authorities the dis- cretion to increase the required width in specific areas. The council argued that re- ducing the pedestrian passage to 1.5m would negatively im- pact "the easy and safe flow of pedestrians," particularly for wheelchair users and parents with buggies or prams. Furthermore, the council claimed that the proposed reg- ularisation violates another policy prohibiting seating plat- forms in areas where "the total pedestrian public footpath is less than 2.1m." The council warned that re- ducing the pedestrian area by 25% in such a crowded location could have serious safety impli- cations, particularly in emer- gencies or during stampedes. The council also noted that increasing the outdoor seating area allows the establishment to accommodate more patrons, which results in waiters cross- ing the public pavement to serve customers. This creates further obstructions to pedes- trian traffic. Residents interviewed by MaltaToday raised broader concerns about the pedestrian experience in such areas. "Anyone passing through this narrow passage must inhale smoke and endure loud music. Since the whole area is covered by a canopy, it feels like you're walking through the bar rather than a public space," an elderly resident said. A Planning Authority case officer overrules objections by Transport Malta and the Sliema local council and recommends regularising an illegal extension of the Black Gold bar's outdoor seating platform, which narrows the pedestrian passage along The Strand The Black Gold bar on The Strand in Sliema THE Water Services Corpora- tion has apologised to Balzan residents over delays in ongo- ing potable water work, say- ing the project contractor has failed to meet deadlines de- spite the imposition of penal- ties. "The works, which are being carried out following Enemal- ta works in the area, have been delayed due to unforeseen complications arising from the contractor involved. Despite our efforts to hold the con- tractor accountable, including the imposition of penalties for delays, progress has remained slower than anticipated," the Water Services Corporation (WSC) said. It said the contractor's failure to meet previously agreed-up- on timelines presented the WSC with a difficult decision. "While we considered termi- nating the contract and re-ten- dering the project, we deter- mined that this option would lead to an even longer wait for the community, as the tender- ing process would have result- ed in additional delays," it said. After continued dialogue and discussions with the contrac- tor, the WSC have now re- ceived a commitment to a re- vised and realistic completion timeline. "The contractor has assured WSC that all necessary efforts will be made to complete the works within three weeks be- yond the original deadline of November 14th. This extend- ed timeframe, while unfortu- nate, is necessary to ensure the quality and safety of the works being carried out," it said. WSC said it is fully commit- ted to overseeing the comple- tion of this project and will continue to work closely with the contractor to ensure all tasks are completed to the highest standards. "We understand that delays in essential services like po- table water can be frustrating and challenging for residents, and we share in that frustra- tion. We remain committed to resolving this matter and completing the necessary works as swiftly as possible," a statement read. "We thank the residents of Balzan for their continued understanding and cooperation during this peri- od. WSC remains dedicated to ensuring that the community's long-term access to clean, safe drinking water is secured." WSC apologises for delayed works in Balzan Water Services Corporation says project contractor has failed to meet deadlines despite penalties