A handful of representations against the development have already been submitted, which mainly outline the following:

“This is being proposed in the hamlet of Binġemma which to date remains free of any commercialisation whatsoever and which site lies in the valley of extreme ecological importance, is an extremely sensitive site in a remote and rural hamlet area and scheduled by the SPED 15 as Area of High Landscape Protection,” one representation said.

“In view of this, the Planning Authority has to certainly dismiss this application, therefore, the application should not be favourably considered.”

“This site in question has been extended illegally by different structures numerous times over the years, turning the built area into the existing footprint.”

“In addition, as can be seen in the attached image, the built-up area is not a pre-1967 building thus making it ineligible for the change of use as per policy 6.2A of the Rural Policy and Design Guidance 2020. On this basis, the permit should not be granted.”

“Bearing the title ‘Area of High Landscape Protection of the marshland of Bingemma, also known as il-Wilġa ta’ Binġemma’ should undoubtedly be left free of commercialisation of any type, shape or form.”

“This development will certainly increase noise level substantially, negatively impacting the ecological diversity synonymous with the area. Light pollution, as well as increased rental vehicles in the hamlet, will also negatively impact the landscape.”

“In addition, should this permit be approved, it will prejudice the area which would certainly create an extremely long-term negative impact as other similar applications will surely follow.”

“Although the applicant claims that no encroachment will be done on agricultural land, as can be seen in the image attached a large portion of untouched virgin land will be taken so as to convert to a concrete footpath as well as to create an 8-metre pool with adjacent decking on an area marked as agricultural land.”

Architect Lanfranco hit back at a number of the representations, saying they contained “no factual information about the actual project”.

Speaking to Lovin Malta, Lanfranco said that the site previously had a “much larger footprint than what is being proposed and what there is today”.

“In fact, the farmhouse originally extended all the way to the corner of the street where today an olive tree is planted  – which will be retained and incorporated in the project. The rest of what is constructed today is all pre-1967 saving minor accretions (which are proposed for demolition).”

Noting that according to Local Plans the proposed development would be “fully complainant with the provisions outlined” he noted that the proposal came after “a huge effort to retain all the old citrus trees, removing only alien species and ornamental trees”.

“The concept of this project is to create a single, high-quality project which could otherwise have been easily subdivided into three separate villas, which is what the policies allow. Such commitments are numerous and have been approved all around the property.  As an architect specialised in conservation, my intention is to embellish the area and bring the farmhouse back to its former glory.”

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