Din l-Art Ħelwa welcomes new protection statuses, calls for more UCA action

Din l-Art Ħelwa yesterday congratulated the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and the Planning Authority for scheduling 10 more buildings of historic importance.

“We urge both the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and the Planning Authority to further their efforts in a nationwide exercise for scheduling of the many historic properties which are as yet awaiting such a degree of protection.”

Din l-Art Ħelwa, however, urged the authorities, especially the Planning Commission, to also give importance to the historic simple urban fabric which constitutes 90 per cent of Malta’s Urban Conservation Areas.

“Such buildings are simple and devoid of ornamentation or particular history but they create streetscapes which give local identity and distinctiveness to our historic towns and villages, and as such are protected in principle by both the overarching thematic objectives of SPED and DC15.

“We note that many decisions at planning board level have resulted in permission for such buildings to be demolished, in many instances going directly against the recommendation of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.”

While recognising the efforts for scheduling “we also wish to draw the attention of the Planning Authority, that protection of such vernacular buildings IS urgently needed,” Din l-Art Ħelwa said.

“We urge the authorities to respect the Mission and Values of the Planning Authority which calls for a pleasant and desirable place to live in and a better quality of life for the community, as described so aptly in the Vision, Mission and Values of the Planning Authority itself.”