Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/838705
10 maltatoday, SUNDAY, 18 JUNE 2017 News JAMES DEBONO AN application presented on June 1 – two days before the general election – foresees the demolition of the existing licensed explosives factory in Dingli and its re-devel- opment into a resort and spa. The development would involve the excavation of the site for ac- commodation of facilities. The Pulvich Explosives Indus- tries Ltd is no longer in use, and the present building includes 36 stores – each the size of a large garage. The application was presented by La Toc Hotels Limited, a com- pany formed in 2014 and owned by Dirk Hili, Bianca Anastasi and Veli Holdings. La Toc hotel has recently opened the La Folceneria hotel in Valletta. A previous application on the same site, which is outside de- velopment zones, had been pre- sented by the government in 2009 to replace the existing explosives factory with a fireworks factory depot. The area is designated as one of 'High Landscape Value' and a buffer zone to an area of ecologi- cal importance. Although the development pro- posed is limited to the already de- veloped site, development on the site may attract more traffic and urban development in a rural set- ting. The government wanted to con- vert the former Pulvich Explosives Industries site in the area known as il-Qaws, to collect all explosives material related to the manufac- ture of fireworks under one roof. The application was turned down in 2012 because of the site's designation as a rural conserva- tion area and for safety reasons At that time the mayor of Dingli, Ian Borg (who is now minister re- sponsible for planning and trans- port) had objected because the de- velopment was in a protected site, classified as a Natura 2000 site and a special area of conservation. Election week applications Another application presented on 1 June envisages the redevel- opment of a beach concession, in- cluding the construction of swim- ming pool with ancillary facilities, a bar and cafeteria as an amenity to the Parkland Hotel, Qawra. The application was presented by Bon- gal Limited. In Sliema, an application was presented on 2 June to redevelop Villino Zammit – a Grade 2 listed building – into a boutique tour- ist accommodation. The applica- tion envisages the demolition of an existing wall along Triq San Nikola to construct accommoda- tion rooms as an extension to the proposed tourist accommodation. In 2015 the Planning Authority had approved an application to restore the Grade 2 building as a residence, including minor altera- tions, construction of swimming pool, and demolition of a garage along Triq San Nikola. But the ap- plication specified that the facade along Triq San Nikola was to be retained. Hotel proposed on site of Dingli explosives depot Hamrun kiosk extension set for approval THE Planning Directorate is rec- ommending the approval of a planning application proposing an extension to a kiosk in Pjazza San Pawl in Hamrun, despite clear de- viations from policies regulating kiosks. The application also foresees the formation of a layby, where up to four cars can park temporarily in front of the extended kiosk. The Planning Authority will take a final decision on 21 June. The proposed layby is carved out of the existing public square, tak- ing an area presently occupied by planters. The new kiosk will be 3.6 metres high and eight metres long and will be cladded in wood. The kiosk was originally rebuilt following a permit issued in 1997. The permit also allowed the owner to set tables on part of the square. According to the case officer re- port the proposal is 12 square me- tres in excess of the allowable floor space set by the policy regulating kiosk developments. But this is considered to be "an adequate and allowable exception when consid- ering the area of the piazza, and also when considering similar de- velopments". Although the policy sets a floor space limit to 20 sq.m the pro- posed scale of the kiosk can be ac- cepted "since it lies within a large urban open space, is similar in scale and size to other kiosk type developments within public gar- dens, and will not be incongruous in the context of its surroundings". According to the case officer the proposal seeks to provide "a con- temporary design for this location, acting as a landmark within Ham- run's public open space in particu- lar, and more generically to the urban fabric as a whole". The pro- posed design is described as be- ing "distinctive enough to provide added interest that can contribute to the creation of a new local land- mark". The proposed height of the kiosk is also deemed to exceed "the max- imum stipulated by the policy". However, the case officer insists that the "proportion of the kiosk is well thought out and respects the human scale, with its varying roof line allowing for a gradual increase in height rather than a fixed high structure, which additionally adds interest to the design itself". The case officer also notes that the policy regulating Outdoor Catering Areas on Public Open Spaces, clearly states that outdoor catering areas related to kiosks are expressly prohibited. However, the proposal involves only the shifting of approved tables and chairs to a different area. The approved area, and a 25 sq.m out- side table area were already allowed in the permit issued in 1997. According to the case officer "the relevant authorities find no objec- tion for the formation of a layby for parking spaces, placing of tables and chairs and removal of planter". While the Hamrun local coun- cil approved the application, PN councillors Antonello Cuschieri, Efrem Buttiġieġ and Louise Por- telli objected The councillors insisted that while they support the embellish- ment of the existing kiosk they are opposed to the creation of a park- ing layby, which will be carved away from the garden: "A project proposed by a private individual should not be allowed to use pub- lic land." The three councillors also noted that the project would create more congestion, as it would increase the turnover of traffic in the zone, adding that the congestion prob- lem should be addressed by better enforcement and not by creating parking spaces in front of the ki- osk. A site of an abandoned explosives depot in Dingli now earmarked for a tourist resort and spa