FoE objects to Pembroke private school application

● ‘Open space should remain for public enjoyment’

Friends of the Earth Malta has submitted its objections to the Planning Authority (PA) with regard to the Pembroke open space being earmarked for a private school.

It was referring to the application for the development of a new Chiswick House school. The land in question lies within the development zone.

The school says it was directed to the area by the authorities after no suitable alternatives were found. It also says that the constructed area will only take up a quarter of the allocated footprint.

Pembroke residents, however, are up in arms as they feel that the project would destroy virgin land and create traffic problems. A protest was held in the area a few days ago, with Environment Minister Jose Herrera attending and expressing his support to the residents.

“FoE Malta believes that this project will take away nature and a wide open space away from the residents and everyone else who visits the area. We all need nature in our lives. Experiencing vibrant nature is also crucial for everybody’s health and well-being,” the eNGO said yesterday in a statement.

“Regular time spent in nature is good for children’s development, and for fitness and our mental health. Building a school on this site will rob these benefits from the many to the profit of the few. As a necessary component of a good life, we believe that experiencing nature should be considered a fundamental right for everyone, regardless of our backgrounds. On top of that, this new construction will lead to significant increase in traffic thus increasing air and noise pollution and will also affect the safety of the neighbourhood.”

FoE said the proposed construction site currently also acts as a buffer zone for the adjacent Natura 2000 site. The garigue in this buffer zone should be protected at all costs and we believe that if anything, this parcel of land should also be included within the Natura 2000 boundary.

“In the interest of the community in Pembroke and that of the wider public, FoE Malta urges the PA Board to refuse this application. Friends of the Earth will also be nominating this site for public domain status during the next round of consultations.”

Regular time spent in nature is good for children’s development, and for fitness and our mental health. Building a school on this site will rob these benefits from the many to the profit of the few