Disputed Triq Il-Bormla Development Will Not Alter UCA Streetscape, PA Clarifies
The Planning Authority (PA) has confirmed that the Triq Bormla, Paola streetscape will remain at a two-level maximum – while they have approved a development on the parallel Triq il-Qalb ta’ Ġesu’.
The development – approving the construction of 17 one-bedroom studio apartments – is not going to be within the Triq il-Bormla Urban Conservation Area but will instead be on the non-UCA Triq il-Qalb ta’ Ġesu’.
The PA issued this statement to set the record straight, saying that reporting was falsely indicating that development would be taking place within the UCA.
Instead, Triq il-Qalb ta’ Ġesu’ is a non-UCA area that also falls with a Student Priority Area – because it is in the vicinity of MCAST.
As a result, these one-bedroom studio flats are intended to serve the needs of students who will live within a pedestrian commuting distance of MCAST.
While the PA accepted that there would be an approximate height difference “of one storey” between dwellings on the parallel streets, they also contended that the dwelling which has had development approved on Triq Bormla is only going to be developed through the addition of a receded floor – which is permissible for UCAs.
The PA added that plans also include the retention and restoration of the existing facade, which should restore a neglected part of the area’s cultural heritage.
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