PA refuse four-storey home for elderly in Żabbar ODZ

Imagine standing at the corner of Triq San Girgor in Żabbar, a bustling street lined with traditional Maltese balconies and the scent of fresh bread wafting from the nearby bakery. Now, picture a four-storey building looming over this quaint scene, intended to house our elderly. This was the proposal that the Planning Authority (PA) recently refused, sparking a debate about elderly care and urban planning in Malta.

The proposed development, a joint venture between the Żabbar Local Council and a private entity, aimed to provide much-needed elderly care facilities. The plans included 60 residential units, communal spaces, and even a small garden. However, the location – a quiet residential area – proved contentious. Neighbours feared increased traffic, loss of privacy, and a strain on local amenities.

Żabbar, a town known for its rich history and traditional architecture, is no stranger to development. Yet, the scale and nature of this project divided the community. Some saw it as a necessary solution to Malta’s aging population, while others argued that it was a misplaced, overbearing structure in an unsuitable location.

The PA’s refusal wasn’t solely about the building’s height, as initially speculated. The authority cited several reasons, including the project’s incompatibility with the area’s character, insufficient parking spaces, and lack of proper consultation with residents. The PA also expressed concerns about the project’s impact on Żabbar’s historic environment, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Żabbar’s Mayor, Dorian Camilleri, expressed disappointment at the decision, stating, “We genuinely believed this project would benefit our elderly and the community as a whole.” However, the PA’s decision has opened avenues for dialogue, with both parties now considering alternative locations and designs.

This isn’t just a Żabbar issue. Malta’s elderly population is growing, and so is the need for adequate care facilities. According to the National Statistics Office, those aged 65 and over made up 18.6% of the population in 2020, a figure set to rise in the coming decades. Yet, finding suitable locations for such facilities, especially in urban areas, is a challenge.

Some argue that Malta should look into innovative solutions, such as co-living spaces or integrated communities where elderly care is seamlessly woven into the fabric of society. Others suggest exploring underutilized spaces or brownfield sites, rather than residential areas.

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