Applications for a quay upgrade, a football pitch, and a bocci club and pitch on Manoel Island were given the green light by the Planning Authority on Thursday.
The applications are based on the Manoel Island masterplan which, albeit approved, is currently subject to an appeal – even though, much to the chagrin of the NGOs and residents appealing the project, the PA granted a permit for excavations to begin last July.
The application dealing with the quay includes repair works on the quay wall and marina service culvert, four pontoons linked by a connecting walkway, a visitor and events basin with a water taxi berth, as well as super-yacht berthing facilities, in conjunction with a newly proposed breakwater which is subject to a separate planning application. The total number of berths proposed within the application was 188.
The case officer for the application had noted that the application is in line with the outline permit’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), but Jamie Mercieca from the NGO FAA pointed out at the hearing that this same EIA is now under the scrutiny by the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal, which is reviewing a request by NGOs to nullify the EIA on the basis of a conflict of interest on the part of the architect who carried it out. Mercieca noted that given this process, which could ultimately lead to changes which will affect this application, it would be imprudent to approve the project.
Concern was also raised about the effect on the seabed, but it was noted that there will be no dredging and the seabed in question is already disturbed as it is reclaimed. In fact, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage had found no objection to the extension of the mooring facilities.
This particular application was approved nearly unanimously, with only NGO representative Annick Bonello voting against it.
The football pitch application meanwhile proposed the excavation of existing land and the construction of a football pitch, with underlying sport facilities, service and plant rooms, reservoir and clubhouse.
The development was assessed by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, which outlined that the proposed development lies within an Area of High Landscape Value of the Harbour Fortifications and home to multiple cultural heritage assets. They expressed concern that the survival of unknown archaeological remains in the area cannot be excluded and that accidental discoveries may pose a threat to the cultural heritage.
The Superintendence eventually requested a works method statement which describes the mitigation strategy and relevant interventions which will be taken. Upon receipt of these documents, the superintendence called for less of a visual impact but gave a no objection to the proposal.
The application was approved unanimously by the PA board, as was the third application for a bocci pitch and club.
The three developments fall under the cap of a master plan by Midi for Manoel Island, which has been approved but is subject to an appeal, which will see the construction of some 650 luxury apartments and a five-star hotel, amongst other facilities.
