Large permitted farm and ancillary structures in to be demolished as planning compensation

On Thursday, the Planning Board sanctioned, through a development permit, extension works and a surface car park at Scotts supermarket limits of Zabbar provided that a substantial planning compensation was agreed to by the owner.

The planning compensation relates to the entire demolition of an existing permitted farm in the unspoilt valley side of Wied Qirda and Wied il-Kbir, limits of Siggiewi.

The board, in agreement with the owner of the supermarket, requested that following the demolition of the farm and its agricultural ancillary structures, the site was to be rehabilitated back to agricultural land with planted trees. The owner also agreed that all vested rights on the 3,475m2 site were to be relinquished.

The board also imposed a planning gain to the value of €50,000. These funds will be utilised in agreement with the local council for environment and urban improvement projects in the locality of Zabbar.

The permission granted by the board for the sanctioning of works in Triq Hompesch in Zabbar, although on the outside of the development boundary periphery, is within an area already approved as an open commercial area ancillary to the operation of the supermarket.

The works that were approved include the construction of an extension to the supermarket’s sales area, stores and three adjoining garages, a basement area and a surface parking area.