Din L-Art Helwa is calling on the public to put in representations against a huge new building ‘development,’ which it said is being planned for the Belliegha area of Victoria, Gozo – the area on the way to Marsalforn.
The NGO stressed that while for now only a road is being proposed in application PC/00050/17 (PC Application re zoning), “this will lead to building up of the area.”
The Planning Control application is – “to establish the planning parameters for the site, namely road alignments and levels, and proposed access road from Triq Mro. Dirjanu Lanzon.” The applicant is a Mr Joe Cordina.
The architects of Din l-Art Helwa have discovered what is being planned for this relatively quiet area of Victoria – see plans below.
DLH said that “there are rumours that some 170 apartments in blocks of 5 stories (Ground floor, 1st floor, 2nd floor, 3rd floor and Penthouse floor) with with possible underground garages are being planned.”
The Victoria Local Council has also objected officially against this new road.
Din L-Art Helwa is urging those who “want to stop the uglification of Gozo, to please object by clicking here and completing the form [1]. Representations close at midnight tonight.
Din l-Art Helwa said that, “you can write your own reasons or take inspiration from the official objection made by Din l-Art Helwa”:
“1.0 Loss of traditional vernacular buildings, detrimental impact on heritage, Counter to SPED TO.9, TO8.1 and TO8.7
The proposed change in alignment will result in the total demolition of vernacular structures, including a traditional ‘barumbara’, all of which form part of and together contribute towards the historical and cultural heritage of this locality.
The demolition of these vernacular properties, as would result through approval of this application, is unacceptable, and the request objectionable on this ground.
2.0 Loss of openness, excessive soil sealing and increase in development density will detrimentally impact amenity as well as natural and urban environment, Counter to SPED TO8.6, TO8.7, UO3.8, UO3.9
The proposal is essentially solely intended to introduce a new street in order to attain additional street frontage and therefore increase development potential of the site.
Through this new road, the resultant scheme will;
Necessitate the complete soil sealing of over 5,500sqm of undevelopable land
Completely eliminate all existing green open space
Create a crippling increase in development density
Detrimentally impact the community by failing to provide any public open space or amenities, with the proposed ‘public space’ being reserved for cars.
As such it is evident that the proposal is by no means conducive to good planning and would serve to only worsen the urban and natural environment of this locality.”
Photos: Din L-Art Helwa – Daniel Cilia and Tara Cassar