The Planning Authority has said that an approved “downsized” residential block “outside the buffer zone” in Xaghra, “will have no impact on Ggantija Temples.”

The Planning Board today approved planning permission for a residential development project in Xaghra, Gozo, which it said, is “outside the buffer zone of Ggantija temples.”

In a statement, the Authority said that “this residential development was downsized substantially and will not compromise the area of Archaeological importance in the vicinity of Ggantija Temples.”The approved project for 20 garages at basement level and 22 overlying apartments will be constructed within a building envelope of 2 floors and an additional receded all around. “No excavation works will be permitted on site,” the PA said.

The Authority went on to say that “the design, materials and colours proposed to be used are considered to complement the design characteristics of the part of the existing facade that will be dismantled and rebuilt to form part of the new development.”

“Heritage Malta, who were also consulted on this application considers the latest drawings to be compatible with the management plan of Ggantija and that the development will not negatively impact the site’s Outstanding Universal Value,” the PA said.

The Authority concluded by saying that at the request of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, a survey was carried out following the removal of soil and the formation of trenches. “The survey confirmed that there are no archaeological remains on the site in question.”

NGOs and members of the public had objected to the development. FAA had stressed that this proposed planning application “not only destroys this traditional Gozitan house but also destroys the heritage value of this UCA streetscape and will have a great impact on the temple, the scheduled windmill, and on the village of Xaghra itself.”

Photos: PA – Artist impression and view as it is currently

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