Be the first to comment!BirdLife raises concerns over development proposal opposite Simar
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BirdLife Malta has raised its concerns with the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) and the Planning Authority (PA) of the immediate and long-term impacts on the protected Simar bird sanctuary and unique Natura 2000 site.
BLM argued that a proposed development of apartment block opposite Simar Nature Reserve in Triq il-Pwales, Xemxija, is not in line with existing policies.
In an an open letter sent today to the ERA Chairman Victor Axiak and PA Chairman Vincent Cassar, BLM said that it has raised its concerns on the proposed development.
It said that the development application,”proposed demolition of dwellings, construction of five apartments, a recessed floor and semi-basement garage” in the same street of the reserve, “risks affecting the designated protected bird sanctuary that falls within a Natura 2000 site and the border of which tapers around a development zone that incorporates Xemxija.”
BLM pointed out that the reserve is also recognised as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for its habitats and a Special Protection Area (SPA) for its birds, as well as an area of ecological importance.
BirdLife Malta in its letter highlighted its concerns that the submitted plans are not in line with the Xemxija Building Heights policy of the North West Local Plan.The letter, which was signed by CEO Mark Sultana, states that the height limitations under this policy are four floors, “however plans indicate that the proposed development exceeds these limitations by planning six floors for the apartments including one recessed floor.”
BirdLife Malta already expressed its concerns om November 2016 about the possibility that the area surrounding Simar Nature Reserve could be subject to building development,negatively impacting the viability of the reserve.
As well as the fact that developments have to be in line with local policies, BLM pointed out that “the immediate impact of construction and use of heavy machinery is also of serious concern because it would disrupt wildlife and deter people from visiting the reserve to enjoy nature.”
Noise and light pollution generated from buildings impinging on the nature reserve, and heavier traffic flow due to more residents in the area, are some of the other long term concerns from more intensive development of the surrounding area next to the reserve, BirdLife said.
BirdLife Malta has urged both ERA and PA to take an immediate position due to the sensitive nature of the site and if need be, “revisit the policies in question to ensure a buffer area to the Natura 2000 site is maintained.”
BLM continued by saying that it insists that, “all Natura 2000 sites should be protected at all costs, especially since Malta has the highest building density in the European Union.”
The proposed development application was submitted to the PA in September 2017 and is scheduled for a final decision on the 2nd of April 2018.
Photo top: BirdLife Malta’s Simar Nature Reserve – Photo BirdLife Malta and the Xemxija Building Heights Policy (North West Local Plan)
