Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/976374
maltatoday WEDNESDAY 2 MAY 2018 14 Planning B'Bugia promenade: ERA denounces illegal works by government JAMES DEBONO A site inspection conducted by the Environment and Resources Authority last week revealed that an extension of the B'Bugia promenade has been undertak- en "without due consideration of the natural environment" which has resulted in the "up- take of the natural coast." A permit was issued to con- struct the promenade along Triq il-Qajjenza two years ago after original plans envisaging an elevated promenade con- structed on a steel structure were abandoned. But according to ERA a num- ber of works not foreseen in the original permit have already been undertaken before the is- sue of a permit. The government has in fact applied to regularise the exten- sion of the promenade beyond what had been approved two years ago. The application also foresees the regularisation of a ramp on the coast leading to the sea, the reinstatement of steps and concrete platforms as well as a pathway on the coast. But this application is de- scribed "as strongly objection- able" by ERA. ERA also noted that most of the works proposed, including the proposed stairs, have al- ready been carried out. "It is clear that the expanse of natural coast land occupied a larger area and once the embel- lishment started to take place, the natural coast land started to diminish as various large plat- forms and other interventions were being added gradually". These additions have resulted in visual intrusions in the natu- ral coastal landscape and in the scarring of the rocky coast. ERA also described the devel- opment of three concreted plat- forms as excessive. "One platform should more than suffice, considering that the size of the coastal area is relatively small". It has been noted by ERA that apart from the two platforms listed in the block plan provid- ed, another ramp is currently present on site. In addition a proposed path on the coastline is considered useless. The original plans approved in 2014 envisaged a timber walkway supported by a steel structure. But these plans which would have left the coastline intact were scrapped due to a "high degree of main- tenance" because of "ever ris- ing sea levels". In 2016 the Planning Authority approved new plans which allowed the construction of a concrete base on the coastline. Wied Bufula threatened by change in zoning THE flow of water along the Wied Bufula valley in St Paul's Bay could be further inter- rupted with the construction of new dwellings, the Ramblers Association has warned. This is because a planning application presented by Mario Debono on behalf of Wied Bu- fula Developments Limited is proposing a change in zoning; by removing a schemed road, creating a pedestrian route to link Triq San Pawl and Triq Ghajn Rasul and designating a new zone for residential devel- opment. Wied Bufula is considered as a strategic watercourse in a built-up area. Although only a small por- tion of the site is located out- side development zones, the area is protected because of its hydrological importance as it serves as an outlet of a valley known as Wied Bufula. The Ramblers Association contends that the proposed changed will have a great- er negative impact than the planned road, both aestheti- cally and hydrologically. "Restricting the outlet will augment the rush of water in heavy downpours with likely unwarranted consequences". The organisation also claims that the application will impact on a government culvert at the outlet of the valley that diverts the waterflow directly to the sea. The proposed pedestrian route is being proposed along the side of Sqaq il-Ward. Design watchdog shoots down Attard supermarket proposal JAMES DEBONO A proposed supermarket in At- tard will have a "severe nega- tive impact on the urban fabric of the residential and villa ar- eas" according to the Planning Authority's Design Advisory Committee "Before this major issue is ad- dressed it seems premature to discuss the design concerns", the committee concluded. The committee which serves as an internal advisory panel on design issues is presently composed architect David Mallia and art historian Char- lene Vella. The objection by one of the PA's main advisory panels comes in the wake of nearly 100 objections presented by residents. The site is adjacent to the Urban Conservation Area of Attard and a part of the site is zoned as a Residential Priority area in the Local Plan. A number of mature trees including Olive and Pine are found in this green area bor- dered by Triq il-Linja, Triq Anthony Schembri and Triq il- Mithna, a short distance away from the official residence of the US ambassador. Residents have pointed out that two supermarkets namely Scott's and M4 already exist in the area while Smart and PA- MA are within a short distance by car. Others expressed concern on the congestion and parking even if the project has three levels of basement garages. Most objected to the loss of an- other open space. "Attard has been turned into a concrete jungle", reads one of the objections. Another notes that the town was designed for terraced and semi-detached houses. "Huge blocks of apartments are putting a huge strain on parking and traffic, and I am finding it extremely dangerous to drive out of my home town of late due to people parking in any place they find. The ex- orbitant prices charged for ga- rages – which few people con- sequently buy – is also a factor that adds to this problem". Residents have also called for the publication of a Traffic Impact Assessment which has already been carried out by the developer and are insisting that parking provision is made both for the new residents and the users of the supermarket.