An archaeologically sensitive site in the Tal-Qares area of Mosta will face major development after the Planning Authority approved the construction of a five-floor, 99-apartment complex.

The site, known as Giant’s Clearing (Wesgħa tal-Ġganti) is also located right by St Andrew’s Chapel. The PA received over 500 objections, including the Maltese Archdiocese.

A showroom on the site was already approved in 2017 by the PA. It originally formed part of the outside development zone, but was regularised during the PN’s highly controversial rationalisation exercise in 2006.

Malta Today has reported that the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage gave its rubber stump after the inclusion of a visitor’s centre and platform to view the archaeological remains as part of the project.

The development was also approved on guarantee that no rock-cutting will be carried and will have two ‘green open spaces’.

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Julian Bonnici

Julian is the former editor of Lovin Malta and has a particular interest in politics, the environment, social issues, and human interest stories.