The Planning Authority recently delivered a permit for a block of flats of four-storeys situated in the protected setting of Ta’ Kola Windmill and the buffer zone of Ggantija Temples, said Moviment Graffitti.

It argued that the Planning Authority “did not consider the visual impact of the development on long-distance views of the setting/buffer zone of Ggantija and Ta’ Kola, and the development will create a large blank wall seen from the street leading to the windmill and long-distance views.”

Moviment Graffitti argued that “in granting the permit, the Government ignored requests by UNESCO to inform it of any proposed developments and to conduct a Heritage Impact Assessment.”

It also noted that the location is in an area that “consists almost wholly of two-storey townhouses, this permit sets a precedent for the redevelopment of the whole area. Allowing buildings to be redeveloped from townhouses to dense blocks of flats over four-storeys would disfigure the skyline and streetscape, and the area would become congested and nondescript.”

The organisation insisted that “allowing this permit to stand would mark the beginning of the end of the buffer zone of Ggantija Temples, and risk having the temples taken off the World Heritage List.”

Moviment Graffitti explained that it is trying to raise the funds for legal fees from crowdfunding. To donate, please click here. It is the last appeal request on the list.

“Your donation will allow us to safeguard Ggantija Temples and Ta Kola Windmill in their integrity and authenticity for future generations,” it said.

Photos: Moviment Graffitti

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