PA Approves Extension To Existing Application For Massive Portelli Development In Rabat, Gozo
An existing application for extensive development in an abandoned factory in Rabat, Gozo has had an extension green-lighted by the Planning Authority (PA).
However, an additional proposal to extend even further lead to reservations from the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage as it visually encroaches on views of the Cittadella and the Urban Conservation Area (UCA) of Rabat.
Mark Agius, on behalf of Excel Investments Ltd, submitted application PA/3137/22 with architect Maria Schembri Grima to extend approved permit PA07940/05.
In the recent application, it outlined plans to add a further 33 garages and 13 residences including a redesign of the residential units and change to use of one garage and two residential units into commercial use (Class 4B).
Gozitan construction tycoon Joseph Portelli is also a director of Excel Investments Ltd.
This will bring the development up to a total of 116 residences and 100 garages along Triq il-Wied and Triq Pawlu Portelli in Rabat.
However, a separate application, PA/5390/22, for a further 50 garages, an office, and a shop has been suspended at the architect’s request.
It proposed a change of use of three residential units into commercial Class 4B and office Class 4A. The proposal includes a garage at the ground floor level from Triq Pawlu Portelli, a gym (Class 3C), and the construction of pools at the roof level.
The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage was not pleased with this proposal.
“The site of the proposed development is located partially within the Urban Conservation Area (UCA) of Rabat and partially within the Area of Archaeological Importance (AAI) of Rabat and Cittadella,” it noted.
“The previous application was approved despite the strong reservations of the Superintendence regarding the massing and volumes of the development, and its impact on views from the Cittadella and the values of the vernacular building that forms part of the site.”
“The extension as proposed through this current application would therefore increase the massing and volumes of the approved development, further encroaching upon the UCA, further engulfing a series of vernacular buildings, and potentially exacerbating the negative impact on views from the Cittadella.”
“The Superintendence immediately expresses its strong reservations at the proposed development.”
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