Corruption of Planning Systems
The approval of the application to build add a six-storey pencil development on top of a house that had been certified(*1) as being unstable, contravenes planning laws, regulations and past refusals. Development application PA 03552/15 had again...
Planning Authority – Controlled Anarchy
I never thought that I would hear myself say that the Planning Authority (formerly MEPA) should be disbanded altogether. I had thought that imperfect as it was, the Planning Authority prevented Malta from sinking into uncontrolled anarchy. I was...
Quo Vadis, Malta?
By Robert Louis Fenech Writing this piece the morning after the Planning Authority has given the green light to two monster developments – the Mrieħel high-rise blocks and the TownSquare tower (both projects being pushed by Gasan) – I cannot...
The Plasticisation of the Sea
By Dr John Paul Cauchi It so happens that during these hot, sweltering days that we go down for quick dip into our clear, blue seas, inviting under the shimmering sunlight in the relative quiet of the afternoon. We slowly immerse ourselves into the...
Ġenna ta’ l-Art
Miktuba minn Salvu Mallia Meta kont ħafna iżgħar, kont nisma’ xi kanzunetta bħal ta’ Celentano ‘Il Ragazzo della Via Gluch’ titkellem fuq il-ġungla tal-konkos li diġa’ kienet bdiet tibla’ l-Italja u t-tħassir ta’ l-ambjent....
Parked Cars – A Fairytale
By Jorg Sicot Once upon a time, there was an island in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. Life was simple, the inhabitants lived on a small and happy scale. Settlements and villages were set up and laid out to the needs of the day: little roads...
Land of Policies
By Tara Cassar FAA Environment Officer & Architect Land has recently been the topic of much debate in Malta. Be it controversial deals over land expropriation, speculative gains being sought through high-rise development, or the development...
Tall or Short – Public or Private Benefit
By Astrid Vella FAA Co-ordinator For years we have been told that it is better for the community if we construct tall buildings, rather than in the traditional style. It is however becoming increasingly evident that this is nothing but...
High-rise or high-risk?
By Robert Louis Fenech Several people this week have asked me why this whole hubaloo about high-rise buildings. Isn’t it better to build up than sideways? Won’t these have a positive effect on our economy? Don’t we want to be like Dubai or...
Of Power and Toes
By Robert Louis Fenech This week’s developments in the high rise saga have shown that when civil society comes together to prod the authorities in the right direction, we can achieve results. The Planning Authority was meant to decide on the...