The Planning Authority (PA), following government’s direction, has started the process to remove a planning policy (SMMS 04) which supports the development of a yacht marina in the inner part of Marsascala Bay and the redevelopment of the ex-National Swimming Pool pitch for residential and commercial purposes, the PA said in a statement Friday.
The policy and its associated map are found in the South Malta Local Plan which was approved in 2006.
The existing policy states that in the inner part of Marsascala Bay, proposals for the development of a yacht marina would be positively considered. However, it calls for “appropriate studies” to be carried out, including an archaeological survey and an Environmental Impact Assessment, to determine “the scale, form and suitability of the proposed use”. The policy also requires that the project is financially feasible.
Provided that a Master Plan is prepared, the policy also links the redevelopment of the exNational Swimming Pool pitch in Marsascala to the development of the yacht marina, allocating 60% of the entire site for residential and commercial development.
With the withdrawal of this policy, the policy commitment towards the yacht marina will be eliminated and the ex-National Swimming Pool will remain a community facility with sports being the primary land use.
The authority invites the public to send in their comments and feedback on the proposed withdrawal through email address: [email protected]. Submissions must be received by Monday 17 June 2024
