Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1535957
MATTHEW FARRUGIA mfarrugia@mediatoday.com.mt 6 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 1 JUNE 2025 NEWS The Planning Authority has published a revised draft spatial policy for the Villa Rosa site in Paceville, marking a significant milestone in the regeneration and future development of one of Malta's most strategically located coastal sites. This review reflects the evolving nature of development in the area and aligns with Government's broader vision for higher-quality investment in tourism, stronger environmental safeguards, and a more open and publicly accessible green space network. The development of the Villa Rosa Regeneration Area, as designated on policy Map PV4, is based on the core principle of integrated master planning. This approach ensures that development is coherent, integrated, and meets the high expectations for quality and environmental integrity. The main objectives of this revised planning framework include the protection of key environmental and cultural assets, such as the Grade 1 scheduled Villa Rosa building and the Level 1 Ħarq Ħammiem Cave, ensuring these features are preserved within the context of sensitive and sustainable development. Public access to the valley will be significantly enhanced, and development will be confined strictly within the established site boundaries to avoid impacts on nearby sensitive areas and recreational zones. This proposed policy establishes clear limits on building heights and densities, and requires high-quality design, energy efficiency, water and waste management, and the integration of green and blue infrastructure. The inclusion of iconic tall buildings dedicated to up-market hotel uses—permitted through the application of the Height Limitation Adjustment Policy for Hotels (2014) will contribute to Paceville's distinctive skyline and support the site's transformation from a location to a leading tourism destination. The proposed maps, review policies and the submissions received during Phase 1 can be accessed on the Planning Authority's website at www.pa.org.mt/consultation. The Planning Authority invites the public to submit representations for the proposed policy changes. Submissions are to be sent by email to: villarosa.consultation@pa.org.mt Submissions must be sent to the Authority not later than Wednesday 11th June 2025. www.pa.org.mt HAVE YOUR SAY OPEN PUBLIC CONSULTATION Site at Villa Rosa, Paceville - Phase 2 Partial Local Plan Review of the North Harbours Local Plan PLANNING AUTHORITY THE sister of veteran goalkeep- er and PL local councillor Jus- tin Haber has spoken out about why she filed charges against her brother after he threatened to behead her. Earlier this week, Haber was found guilty of threatening his sister, Pearl Vella Haber. An audio recording of the former goalkeeper later went viral as he is heard swearing and threatening the victim. On Friday, Pearl took to Facebook to address those who belittled her abusive relation- ship with her brother. "Last Tuesday, I faced my greatest bully in court," she said. She described her brother as "a textbook narcissistic abuser" who ridiculed and physically as- saulted her from an early age. Pearl writes that the straw that broke the camel's back was an incident in 2014, when she did not bring him a drink from up- stairs, which led to him trying to strangle her. She notes that the incident came up in court but he belittled the event and claimed that she overreacted. "When I reported it, my par- ents kicked me out of the house," she says, adding that her mother even asked for her house keys. The situation eventually led her into depression, but Pearl said that she did her best to rebuild her life. "Still, I could never forget 2014. I could nev- er forget being punished for speaking up." Then in January 2025, Pearl states that she received the now-viral voice message that was unprovoked and two months later he posted a video of her on social media. "This is not drama. This is a pattern. This is the truth. And I refuse to be silent anymore." She describes how she has been shunned by her own parents in court, as her father walked past her without acknowledging her. "To those commenting "X'għaġeb" under news articles and belittling my story — ask yourselves what message you're sending to your daughters. That threats and emotional abuse are fine, as long as the abuser is charming? Talented? Popular?" Haber's guilty verdict is also a point of discussion within the Labour Party, who told Malta- Today that the party has spoken to both the victim and the abus- er and are treating the case del- icately. Haber is no stranger to the justice system. In 2023 he was ordered to pay €12,015, and his company, Haber 16 Ltd another €10,811, to a company that held a stake in his restaurant venture. Pearl Vella Haber recounts abuse at hands of footballer brother: 'I faced my greatest bully' Pearl Vella Haber details how her brother physically abused her from an early age and explains why she had to stand up to her greatest bully after Justin Haber was found guilty of threatening to behead her Above: Veteran goalkeeper and PL local councillor Justin Haber. Right Pearl Vella Haber "When I reported it, my parents kicked me out of the house."