Guidelines have been introduced by the Chamber of Architects and Civil Engineers regarding development projects within UNESCO buffer zones of the megalithic temples in Malta.

In a statement on Monday, the Chamber said that, “as professionals in the field of architecture and engineering, it is imperative that we approach the design and planning of development projects within the buffer zones of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with the utmost care and sensitivity.”

This Directive outlines the guidelines and standards to be followed in the planning and design of development within the buffer zones of megalithic temples in Malta.

It also sets out the limitations on the types of development that can be carried out within the buffer zones of megalithic temples in Malta and provides technical guidance on how to go about carrying out such projects in compliance with these guidelines.

The Directive includes that:

Any development within the buffer zones “must be of a scale and design that is appropriate and compatible with the international architectural and cultural heritage value of the megalithic temples and their buffer zones.”

Architects must ensure that the “height, bulk, and massing of the development are in proportion to the surrounding environment and do not negatively impact the visual, physical, or environmental integrity of the site and the surrounding landscape.”

All development within the buffer zones of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malta must be carried out in compliance with the relevant international conservation charters, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Convention and the ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) charters, including the Venice Charter, the Burra Charter, and the Nara Document on Authenticity.

These charters set forth principles and guidelines for the conservation of cultural heritage sites, including the use of materials, techniques, and designs that are consistent with the original character of the site, the Chamber said.

Architects must carry out an archaeological impact assessment prior to submitting a planning application, to assess the potential impact of the development on the cultural heritage value of the megalithic temples and the buffer zones. The assessment should be included with the planning application.

They must also ensure that the scale, design and location of the development are compatible with the buffer zones and do not negatively impact the visual, physical or environmental integrity of the site and the surrounding landscape.

Architects must “continuously monitor and review the development to ensure that it remains compliant with the relevant planning regulations, policies, and guidelines, and does not negatively impact the heritage value of the megalithic temples, their buffer zones and surrounding landscapes.”

The Chamber concluded by saying that its members “must follow these guidelines when designing and seeking planning permission for development within the buffer zones of the megalithic temples of Malta to ensure that our profession is associated with the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and sensitivity to the cultural heritage of our country.”

On the 8th of February, PA/00570/21 was confirmed suspended for 6 months at the Planning Hearing of the Commission. Having previously agreed the same in December

The Commission chairperson had previously requested that the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH) present its correspondence with the UNESCO World Heritage Sites authorities, confirming that there was no objection to this project which lies in the proximity of the Ggantija Temples.

The proposed project is for a 5-storey block of 31 apartments overlooking the Ggantija UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On of the objectors to the project, FAA, stated that “the site footprint is located within the Site of Archaeological Importance of the megalithic temple site of Ggantija, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, consequently, views and vistas from and towards Ggantija are to be preserved and enhanced.”

To read the guidelines in full, please click here.

Photo: Ggantija Heights, Triq il-Parsott, Xaghra, Gozo

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