FAA calls for adherence to open space policy

Following the last sitting of the Townsquare development application appeal, appellants Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar are calling for adherence to the spirit and letter of the FAR (tall buildings) policy, particularly the developer’s obligation to provide open space for the public to enjoy.

The FAR policy clearly states that 50% of the site should be open public space and goes on to specify that any enclosed, fragmented or vehicular areas should be specifically excluded from being considered as part of the open public space.

FAA maintains, “that through their thorough assessment of this development proposal it has transpired that barely half of the obligatory public open space has been provided for.

“In the case of the Town Square development, the much-vaunted public open space is fragmented, roofed-over areas and scattered across different levels. Areas being described by the developers as open space are actually found up to three levels below ground, one such area being a shaft behind the toilets. Another area being incorrectly described as open space is a road for vehicular access to the development.

“How can the public be expected to relax in what amounts to an underground shaft behind the toilets? Are our children meant to play in the path of oncoming vehicles?”

An FAA spokesperson said, “We cannot understand how the policy was completely set aside and the development approved by the Planning Board in August 2016.

“High-rise developments promised that extra height would be compensated by the provision of more open space. Now not even this is being adhered to, in complete defiance of both the spirit and the letter of the law. This attitude will result in an ever more congested and unpleasant environment.”

With the appeal sittings now closed, the Environment and Planning Tribunal are expected to take a decision within the coming weeks.