Developer seeks to turn public open space into residential, retail blocks

The Planning Authority is being urged to refuse a request by a developer to build a nine-storey block of offices, shops and residences on a site designated as a public open space on the edge of the protected Wied Għomor valley in St Julian’s.

The case officer is recommending the refusal of the application since it ran counter to a number of planning policies and would result in the intensification of density in the area, the loss of open space and would have an adverse visual impact on the area.

The site sits just outside the Regional Road tunnels.

In his report, he said the request was in breach of a policy that seeks to protect and enhance the character and amenity of distinct urban areas by protecting and greening open spaces which contribute towards the character and amenity of urban areas.

Landowner Carmelo Borg submitted a ‘development control’ application to change the zoning of the site and allow mixed-use development.

He is proposing four floors of parking spaces at basement level and offices, shops and a residential development on top in two separate blocks. One level would include sports and community facilities and a pool.

The site just outside the Regional Road...