Carmel Cacopardo, ADPD-The Green Party Deputy Chairperson has submitted an objection to PA/04765/25, with respect to plans to construct a five-storey residential block on undeveloped land, located in the area between Ħal Lija and Ħal Balzan.
This proposed development, consisting of a massive apartment block complete with 113 garages threatens to obliterate a green lung with thriving vegetation and mature trees, located adjacent to Triq Andrea Zammit, Ħal Lija. The proposed development will result in the loss of around 2,300 square metres of open space and mature vegetation.
ADPD-The Green Party candidate for the 8th District Mark Zerafa said this project would be detrimental to the locality, as the population surge would strain the existing infrastructure and eliminate the prospect of turning the land into a publicly accessible green space which would benefit residents and visitors alike.
The Ħal Lija and Ħal Balzan local councils have strongly objected to the proposed development that will overshadow the two-storey houses in the quiet residential area. The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage has requested that the height of the proposed development be lowered to match the height of the buildings in the surrounding area.
ADPD’s objection was submitted on the grounds that this development would contravene Urban Objective 3 of the Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development (SPED), which seeks to “identify, protect and enhance the character and amenity of distinct urban areas”. Standing at a height of 17.5 m, the development would jar with the surroundings and damage the Ħal Lija and Ħal Balzan skyline, in contravention of Urban Objective 2.
The proposed development is also in contravention of various other planning policies as it would obliterate the ecosystem in this area and would further entail the removal of the soil as well as result in extensive soil sealing. The project is moreover in conflict with Central Malta Local plan policies, which seek to “Discourage through traffic, excessive driving speed and inappropriate conditions for pedestrians”
A plan by the Ħal Lija council to limit vehicular traffic and improve pedestrian safety will be jeopardised.
This is another case where, if allowed, excessive development will continue to render urban areas less people friendly. What we are seeing all over the country is a government purposely acting in the interests of the few.
