Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544145
3 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 1 APRIL 2026 NEWS CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 Public and private open spaces are intended to cover 51.1% of the site, with only around half of this being publicly accessible. The remainder is reserved as private space. Beyond narrow corridors of greenery, the plan includes two sizeable tracts of open space, one on the north- west corner and another on the east. Vehicular access is limited to a single cul-de-sac with a central turning head, replacing earlier concepts for a full internal road network. Most building blocks are approximately 525sq.m with two blocks in the north- east reaching 1,300sq.m each for a total building footprint of 7,129sq.m. Approval is being recommend- ed based on a volumetric (3D) interpretation of "low density", which factors in site topography. By measuring building heights from these adjusted levels, ar- chitects argue the blocks remain compliant with policy, even though a strict horizontal (2D) reading would have confined development to the lower half of the site. The Planning Directorate not- ed that under this approach, the maximum deviation above the upper road level of Triq In- dri Grima would be just 1.4m, roughly equivalent to a front garden wall, a detail cited as pre- serving the low-intensity appear- ance. Stormwater management re- quirements are also incorporat- ed, with 7,400 cubic metres of reservoirs planned beneath the buildings. These volumes ac- count for the roof area and half of the public open space, while unpaved green areas are exclud- ed. Msida council had objected to development Residents, NGOs, and the Msi- da Local Council argued that large footprints and partial de- velopment of the upper slopes directly contradict the rational- isation plan. They also warned that soil sealing and construction could worsen flooding in a site already prone to surface runoff. "Instead of more residential development it makes more sense to devise a plan to sustain the environment through more trees and the restoration of rub- ble walls, in a way that the area is conserved for future genera- tions," the Msida council said in an objection presented in 2023. It described the site as one of the few green spaces left in the area. It also pointed out that Ambjent Malta had identified an adjacent site for afforestation. The council also argued that buildings with a proposed build- ing height of 17.5m cannot by any stretch "qualify as low-den- sity development". Twelve residential blocks proposed on site earmarked for low-density development Momentum: Neutrality without military investment not enough MOMENTUM has called for increased investment in Malta's defence and security capabili- ties, warning neutrality alone is not enough to shield the coun- try from modern threats. The appeal comes as Malta marks 47 years since the last British military vessel left the Grand Harbour, a milestone that led to the country adopting neutrality, later enshrined in the Constitution. While expressing pride in that choice, Momentum said that in today's context of global insta- bility, neutrality must be backed by real capability. "Neutrality without security is not a policy and does not guar- antee protection from every threat we face," the party said, citing remarks made in an opin- ion article on MaltaToday by former deputy commander of the Armed Forces of Malta Da- vid P. Attard, who noted that neutrality "does not eliminate risk… it simply defines our mil- itary alignment". Momentum pointed out that Malta's defence spending re- mains among the lowest in the European Union as a share of GDP, with most of the limited budget going towards wages. It said the Armed Forces of Malta are primarily geared to- wards civilian support roles, such as search and rescue and limited coastal patrol, and are facing operational challenges. These include the lack of active vessels such as the P71, which has been non-operational for the past four months, grounded helicopters, and outdated de- fence strategies. Momentum election candi- date Carmel Asciak said neu- trality must be supported with tangible resources. "Momentum cherishes Mal- ta's military neutrality, which is why we believe that this must be supported with real capability," Asciak said. "Let's work to en- sure that the Armed Forces of Malta have the tools they need to maintain peace and stability on our land, air and sea." The party also referred to re- cent incidents near Maltese waters, including an attack on the Russian shadow fleet tank- er Arctic Metagaz and a drone strike on a civilian vessel near Hurd's Bank, saying these high- light Malta's limited capacity to respond swiftly to potential se- curity or environmental threats. Momentum stressed that na- tional security extends beyond traditional military assets, call- ing for greater investment in cy- bersecurity and the protection of critical infrastructure. It warned of growing risks from cyberattacks, disinfor- mation and threats to essential services such as energy, bank- ing and communications, and called for strengthening the Critical Infrastructure Protec- tion unit, which it said lacks sufficient workforce. Momentum said Freedom Day should serve as a starting point for a national discussion on se- curity and defence, ensuring that the independence achieved in 1979 is matched by the in- vestment needed to safeguard it. KARL AZZOPARDI kazzopardi@mediatoday.com.mt AFM personnel carry out a military exercise (Photo: AFM) Left to right: A ariel shot of the area marked in red at Ta' Fuq il-Wied and zoning plans of the area