PA’s Rejection: Żabbar’s Four-Storey Senior Home Plan Hits a Snag

In the heart of Żabbar, a bustling town known for its traditional Maltese architecture and the iconic St. Peter’s Parish Church, a contentious planning application has been making waves. The Planning Authority (PA) has recently refused a four-storey home for the elderly, proposed for an ODZ (Outside Development Zone) area, leaving both residents and the developer in limbo.

Understanding the Rejection

The proposed development, a four-storey building with 24 apartments, was set to replace an existing single-storey house on Triq l-Imqades. However, the PA’s refusal, published in the Government Gazette, cited several reasons. The main concerns were the building’s height and its location in an ODZ area, which is typically reserved for agriculture and rural uses.

“The proposed development would result in an excessive increase in building density and height in a rural area,” the PA’s decision read. The Authority also noted that the development would have a significant visual impact on the surrounding countryside, contradicting the ODZ policy.

Developer’s Stance and Future Plans

The developer, local businessman Joe Xuereb, expressed his disappointment with the decision. “We had worked closely with the local council and architects to ensure the design was in keeping with the area,” he said. “We wanted to provide much-needed accommodation for Żabbar’s elderly population.”

Xuereb has not ruled out appealing the decision. “We’re currently seeking legal advice to understand our options,” he added. Meanwhile, Żabbar Local Council, which had initially supported the project, has also expressed its surprise at the PA’s refusal.

Residents: Divided Opinions

Opinion among Żabbar residents is divided. While some welcome the potential increase in elderly care facilities, others are concerned about the development’s impact on the town’s rural character.

Maria, a Żabbar resident who lives near the proposed site, told Hot Malta, “I understand the need for elderly care, but not at the expense of our countryside. Once we start building in ODZ areas, where will it stop?”

On the other hand, Tony, another Żabbar resident, believes the development could bring benefits. “We need more facilities for our elderly. This could be a good thing for Żabbar,” he said.

As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the PA’s refusal has sparked a conversation about development, rural preservation, and the needs of Żabbar’s elderly population.