Decision on Farsons business park suspended pending submission of site master plan
The Planning Authority yesterday postponed a decision on a planning application proposing the development of a business park consisting of seven blocks of offices, each five storeys high, on the Farsons Brewery site at the Mrieħel Industrial Estate.
The application was filed by the chairman of the Farsons board of directors.
An argument during the sitting broke out over building height. Existing policy states that sites having an area exceeding 25,000 square metres can go beyond 14 metres in height, provided that a number of conditions are satisfied. The car park block in the proposed development is 20.38 metres high while another block is as high as 16.36 metres.
The site area stood at 16,400 square metres; however, the applicant argued that this area is actually greater than 25,000 square metres if one takes into account the already accepted Old Brewhouse restoration application, explaining that the two projects are linked.
The PA board, however, noted that the site plan did not include this information. One board member highlighted the need for a master plan for the site to be drawn up before a decision on the excess of 14 metres in height is taken.
The applicant mentioned that in the Old Brewhouse project, it had been stated that parking requirements would be addressed in this master plan, thus showing that the two projects were linked.
The applicant agreed to submit a master plan for the site before continuing with the present application.
The proposed development discussed yesterday would include landscaped courtyards and a multi-level car park. The proposal also includes the demolition of the existing buildings, while keeping a screen façade which is Grade 2 listed. There will also be six landscaped courtyards and a plant at level -1.
During their presentation before the board, representatives of the applicant explained that the idea is to rehabilitate and reuse the Grade 2 listed portion of the building.
The concept in their design, they said, is to create a community feel, adding that people would be able to spend time there after work, mentioning the inclusion of garden areas planned to be open to the public.
The case officer noted in his report that, in view of the extent of the development, a Traffic Impact Assessment was required.
This study was submitted and assessed by the Transport Planning Unit (TPU). The conclusions by the TPU, while accepting the conclusions of the TIA, outlined a series of issues relating to the overall context of the Mrieħel Industrial Estate and suggested submissions of a green travel plan. Following the submission of the latter, the TPU deemed it acceptable and referred the proposal to obtain a clearance from Transport Malta.”
The Planning Directorate, noting that despite the substantial improvements in urban design there would still be residual impacts during the construction phase, recommended a financial planning contribution of €362,675 towards the Planning Authority Fund prior to the issue of the development permission.
The applicants, however, said that this project is being treated unfairly in this regard, as projects in similar areas had lower planning gain calculations.