Massive Għasri UCA Development Presents New Plans – Which Barely Change Anything
New plans for a development of 14 residential units and 13 garages within the sleepy village of Għasri’s urban core have revealed a few minor changes from the original proposal.
Encroachment onto Outside Development Zone (ODZ) land, from the initial proposal, has been removed. The development is still a substantial transformation to the urban core.
Residents are worried that the development will change the social fabric of Għasri.
Għasri is the smallest village in Gozo, with a population of only 525 people in 2014. Locals believe that the narrow Triq Il-Knisja, earmarked for development, does not have the infrastructure or the facilities to accommodate such a large development.
“I first came to the house in 1968 as a baby and of course expect to see development, but large apartment blocks do not belong in this environment and are outside the permitted development rules,” said a resident who submitted their objection to the Planning Authority website.
“Lack of proper notice has prevented me from examining the plans in detail, but please accept this general objection and update me on review dates and any planning changes.”
There have been complaints of other irregularities.
“The site notice was stuck to the site on the 10th of December, and on the 13th of December it was no longer there. This was not a result of windy conditions!”
The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage expressed strong reservations about the development.
“While mindful of unfortunate development PA/07826/22 further along the street, the volumes as proposed, emphasised more by the ‘semi-basemen’ are totally incompatible with the urban environment of the UCA.”
The Superintendence will not comment further until they have received another amended proposal.
The Environment and Resources Authority also expressed misgivings.
“The interventions proposed would result in urban sprawl and ODZ land take up. In this regard, the proposed development should be limited within the development zone boundary – and revised drawings provided.”
Newly proposed plans are similar in volume and scope to the originals, despite some minimal adjustments.
Although the portion that encroached onto ODZ land has been removed, the massive development still falls within the Urban Conservation area.
Residents do not feel reassured at all with the situation, as they feel the dark shadow of development looming overhead.
Before
After
People who have lived there all their lives feel that the urban core of their village is under threat. When taking into consideration that this village is so small it becomes clear that such a development can shake a community.
Photo Credit-By Sudika – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, here
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