Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545651
4 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 1 JULY 2026 NEWS THE environment watchdog has dropped earlier objections to a proposed old people's home instead of the abandoned Bus- kett Forest Aparthotel. The Environment and Resourc- es Authority (ERA) concluded the project is unlikely to signif- icantly affect the nearby Natu- ra 2000 site if a environmental safeguards are implemented. In a fresh assessment submit- ted to the Planning Authority, ERA said it had "no objection" to the development, marking a significant shift from its position earlier this year. ERA had called for further studies before a deci- sion could be taken. The devel- opment proposal, submitted by Peter Borg, involves the dem- olition of the derelict Buskett Forest Aparthotel in Dingli and the construction of a three-sto- rey, 54-room old people's home accommodating around 100 res- idents. The project had been head- ing for approval in November, with the Planning Authority's Development and Management Directorate recommending ap- proval despite ERA's concerns. However, the case was post- poned following a review of the case officer's report and a request for additional environ- mental assessments. In February, ERA insisted that although the development would not occupy new land, its proximity to the protected Buskett woodland warranted a full Appropriate Assessment. The Natura 2000 site, formally known as L-Inħawi tal-Buskett u tal-Girgenti, is designated both as a Special Area of Conserva- tion and a Special Protection Area and provides important habitats for bird species, includ- ing migratory raptors. The Appropriate Assessment has now concluded that the project will not compromise the integrity of the protected site or undermine its conserva- tion objectives. ERA noted that while Buskett is best known for its woodland, the protected area also encompasses the valleys of Wied l-Isqof, Wied il-Luq and Wied il-Girgenti, with agricul- tural land accounting for around 61% of the site. Management objectives include protecting important habitats, preventing overuse and disturbance, and safeguarding feeding grounds used by bats and bird species. Conditions imposed to reduce disturbance to wildlife The authority nevertheless im- posed a number of conditions aimed at reducing disturbance to wildlife. Demolition works are to avoid the breeding season of terrestri- al birds between February and August to prevent the destruc- tion of active nests. The noisiest construction activities should also be avoided during Septem- ber and October, when migra- tory birds pass through the area. Proper hoarding must be in- stalled to contain dust, mate- rials and equipment within the site boundaries, reducing noise and preventing spillages into the surrounding countryside. ERA also raised concerns over the impact of the completed de- velopment on birds using the adjacent rural area for nesting, roosting and foraging. To reduce disorientation of migratory birds and seabird fledglings, all external light- ing must use warm-coloured, downward-facing fixtures de- signed to prevent light spilling beyond the site or upwards into the night sky. The authority also flagged the risk posed by the build- ing's extensive glazed surfaces. Large windows can cause fa- tal bird collisions, particularly during migration periods. Re- vised plans now include bird- safe films incorporating fixed markings such as dots or stripes placed no more than five centi- metres apart to make the glass visible to birds. ERA also reviewed additional information requested earli- er this year, including updated traffic studies and photomon- tages illustrating the visual im- pact of the development. The traffic data indicated that the old people's home is un- likely to generate a significant increase in noise from vehicle movements, while the proposed landscaping, including the planting of indigenous trees, was considered adequate to sof- ten the building's visual prom- inence and provide additional foraging and roosting opportu- nities for wildlife. The authority acknowledged that retaining the abandoned aparthotel would avoid con- struction impacts but noted that allowing the derelict site to deteriorate further was also undesirable, particularly given the presence of invasive alien species. It also observed that the current proposal had already been downscaled from earlier versions and that no feasible alternative sites had been iden- tified. ERA concluded that, subject to the incorporation of the rec- ommended conditions into any permit issued by the Planning Authority, the project is not expected to significantly affect the surrounding environment or the integrity of the protected Natura 2000 site. The final decision will none- theless rest with the Planning Authority's board. However, ERA's endorsement removes one of the major obstacles fac- ing the proposal and makes ap- proval of the development more likely when the application re- turns for determination. Top: The existing site, bottom: rendering of what the site will look like ERA clears Buskett old people's home after bird safeguards JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt