Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1539444
4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 14 SEPTEMBER 2025 NEWS JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt Piecemeal archaeological investigation feared in Qrendi LAND behind the Qrendi primary school was included in the development zone in 2006 on condition that an ar- chaeological study would confirm its de- velopable status. But nearly two decades later, no such study has been undertaken, even as a zoning application seeks to set the plan- ning parameters for the site. The zoning application presented by Michael Bugeja's Tan-Nadur Limited, is for a five-storey residential development and new access road. Moreover, the application, first sub- mitted in 2020 and reissued for public consultation last month, covers less than half of the 8,500sq.m site that was condi- tionally added to the development zone. This means that archaeological studies, which the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage is likely to request during the processing of the application, will not cover a substantial part of the site out- side the scope of the current application. In this way, if development is allowed on part of the land, it could still compro- mise the context of any future discover- ies on the rest of the site. Objectors demand study over entire site Most of the 250 objections, including those by the locality's residents' associa- tion, have focused on the visual and so- cial impact of a five-storey block rising behind the school grounds in close prox- imity to the parish church in the quaint locality. But the lack of archaeological studies has been highlighted in numerous ob- jections, including one filed by architect Tara Cassar and a group of Qrendi res- idents. Cassar contends that setting any plan- ning parameters before an archaeologi- cal assessment of the entire site is car- ried out would be premature. Since the application only covers part of the land added to the development zone, she warns that approval could "lead to the uninformed parcelling of this site." This, she argues, would repre- sent a fragmented approach to planning, with serious ramifications for the safe- guarding of any remains that may exist. Cassar insists an archaeological assess- ment must be conducted immediately to determine whether the entire site has enough value to warrant its exclusion from the development zone. The potential significance of the site was also raised by archaeologist and conservation expert Reuben Grima. He cited the Museum Annual Report of 1956–1957, which refers to the remains of a prehistoric building in a field at the back of the Qrendi Primary School. These consisted of globigerina lime- stone megaliths forming part of a wall, partly obscured by a rubble boundary wall. The report noted the remains were photographed and included in the list of ancient monuments for future reference. On this basis, Grima called for a "thor- ough archaeological survey" to deter- mine further steps to protect the ar- ea, including possible inclusion within Qrendi's urban conservation area. Superintendence warnings In 2021, the Superintendence of Cul- tural Heritage (SCH) had already flagged risks in relation to the project. It warned that the proposed extension of Triq Filippu Gutenberg towards the north would take the road close to recorded megalithic remains. The SCH noted that ground disturbance in this area could uncover cultural heritage features, re- quiring changes to the proposed draw- ings. The Superintendence also referred to a vernacular structure on site, which includes a niche with a Madonna in high relief, framed with a cartouche and topped with a cathedral cross. Since then, the developers have included the restoration of the chapel as part of the project. Planning Authority's response Asked why the application was vali- dated before archaeological studies on the entire site are finalised, a Planning Authority spokesperson said it was val- idated in line with provisions of the le- gal notice regulating zoning applications issued in 2007, which only require the submission of a site plan, maps showing the proposed change, legal proof of own- ership, and notification to other owners of the site. The legal framework does not spell out when archaeological studies should be submitted even when the inclusion of these sites in the development was con- ditional on the results of these studies. The PA spokesperson confirmed that no archaeological studies have so far been conducted, adding that the appli- cation is still at the initial stages and subject to assessment. But since the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage is always consulted, archaeological studies are in practice al- ways conducted during the zoning appli- cation process. In this case, with only part of the site subject to the application, objectors fear that the investigation would not be a full and comprehensive one. So far, none of the 16 sites added to the development zone in 2006 on condition of an archaeological study have been ex- cluded from the development zone be- cause of their archaeological value. While no zoning applications have been issued for four sites in Marsa, Marsaxlokk, Mġarr and Żebbiegħ, the other sites have been entirely or partly developed, with archaeological studies resulting in the recording of minor finds such as agricultural trenches, or in mod- ifications to project layouts where more substantial discoveries were made. Photomontage created by residents opposing the zoning application, showing the current skyline and how it will change with the proposed five-storey building The area thatched in orange was included in the development zone in 2006 on condition that an archaeological investigation is undertaken to determine whether it should be developed or not. The current zoning application (marked by a broken blue line) only covers the area behind and alongside the football ground