ERA objects to controversial proposed development on |ebbu[ Gozo ridge
The Environment and Resources Authority yesterday said it is objecting to a controversial development being proposed for the ridge of Zebbug, Gozo. The development proposal is for six apartments, parking and pool and has been met with resistance from nearby residents and NGOs.
The ERA yesterday said it has put forward its opinion that, “no development and works should be allowed to take place within the area earmarked for a development proposal of six apartments, parking and pool in Zebbug (Gozo).”
Upping the ante, the ERA said that, “Should the development still be given the green light by the Planning Authority, ERA may not be in a position to grant the nature and tree permits that are legally required to accommodate the proposed interventions.”
The ERA’s objection to the proposed development was provided to the Planning Authority on 23 March 2017, in its capacity as an external consultee and an interested party.
In its position, ERA put forward its concerns about the strong visual impact and the significant degradation that the proposed development is envisaged to have on the environmentally sensitive site.
It said, “The interventions being proposed would degrade the environment through the loss of natural habitat from extensive construction.
“In addition, ERA envisages that the proposal would adversely impact the valley system and its overall rural character, and would require the uprooting of existing trees and other vegetation typically found on such cliff sides.”
The application has also been is objected to unanimously by Zebbuġ Local Council. Environmental while NGOs Din l-Art Helwa and Flimkien ghal Ambient Ahjar have also filed their objections to the proposed development.
Although part of the development lies within the Urban Conservation Area, the vast majority of the site lies in a hands-off ODZ area.
The application has drawn considerable objections from nearby residents, who fear that not only will Zebbuġ’s distinctive and unique cliffs and ridge be ruined forever, but they will be replaced by a glaring eyesore. The proposed apartments, they point out, are not terraced and as such will simply constitute a chunk of a building on what is today a highly scenic view. The picturesque ridge and cliffs in question can be seen from several areas of Gozo including Ta Pinu, Għasri, Għarb and San Lawrenz.
They also fear that the development, which is in the middle of nowhere and only accessed by a narrow footpath on the cliff edge, will also lead to the additional construction of an access road.
The site is full of indigenous flora and fauna, including protected trees, very old rubble walls and a unique marble that was used to build Zebbuġ church.
In their representations to the Planning Authority, residents point out that there are few areas that have so far remained untouched, and that there could be no way of compensating for the destruction of the area in question.
The proposed developer is Jimmy Stellini and the project’s architect is Edwin Mintoff.
In its objection, Din l-Art Ħelwa notes that the proposal is a ridge development and lies on the edge of the scheme, that the proposed development “would result in a loss of interesting geographic formations” and that the “proposed design offers no solution to mitigate the impact of the four-storey development.”
The NGO also notes that there is no indication as to how the proposed development can be accessed as it is not located on a public road and that “this case seems to highlight that the edge of scheme was erroneously indicated and should be shifted so as not to allow for such ridge developments to occur”.