A PLANNING AUTHORITY PUBLICATION
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A PLANNING AUTHORITY PUBLICATION JULY-SEPTEMBER 2018
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Investing in community projects
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Landmark buildings given high protection
FOREWORD
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Summer brings with it a breaktime
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A one time opportunity
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Third edition of the Malta Architect Awards
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ne question I keep asking myself is how can the Planning Authority be a catalyst for improving the quality of life in our towns and villages? The boom in construction which is a direct result of a healthy economy does have its drawbacks. Ongoing construction works are not only a nuisance but do cause temporary problems in neighbourhoods especially when there is a high concentration of ongoing development. But one must look at both sides of the coin. For one thing, the significant increase in construction over the past years has seen the transformation of places which were a sorry sight. Take Valletta for example. Today most of our Capital’s narrow streets which until a few years back were ‘no-go areas’ have changed into quaint spaces with a mixture of boutique hotels, restaurants, bars and offices. Valletta is once again becoming a vibrant city full of character and charm. Quality of life in our localities is also measured by better quality open spaces and community facilities. The Development Planning Fund was set up in January 2017 with the primary goal of providing localities with the necessary funds to renovate and create new infrastructure which is ‘community-centred’. Over the past year and a half, we have already committed over €4million in projects which will improve the urban life of residents. Tied to this, we recently launched the ‘Sebbaħ il-Lokal’ initiative. Here we are committing €2.5 million to a number of Local Councils who have limited allocated funds. These Local Councils can propose and implement projects which will introduce greenery or enhance public open spaces within their locality. Last but not least, through the ever popular ‘Irrestawra Darek’ scheme we are dishing out €10 million to continue to regenerate our village core areas while promote investment in the restoration, conservation and maintenance of Malta’s built heritage. We won’t say we have done enough. The Planning Authority is looking long-term. We are committed to making a difference in the quality of life for this generation and others to come.
Johann Buttigieg Executive Chairperson of the Planning Authority
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Green Transport Projects
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Irrestawra Darek
Investing in community projects OVER THE PAST MONTHS THE PLANNING AUTHORITY HAS INVESTED MILLIONS OF EUROS IN A NUMBER OF URBAN PROJECTS AND SCHEMES THAT ARE PROVING TO BE AN IMPORTANT WAY OF REGENERATING A QUALITY OF LIFE IN OUR TOWNS AND VILLAGES
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he Development Planning Fund (DPF) was set up in January 2017, when the Authority consolidated all its existing funds including the Urban Improvement Fund (UIF) and the Commuters Parking Payment Scheme (CPPS). These funds that are collected from on-street parking fees are made available for projects to be carried out within the community. The Fund is also topped up with a percentage from each planning application submitted through the regularisation process. The latter provides property owners with a ‘one-time opportunity’ to regularise existing unsanctionable non-conformant developments located entirely within the development boundaries. The new fund has widen its scope and therefore is giving greater flexibility to what projects qualify for funding. The Fund is not restricted to local councils only but government entities, NGOs and the private sector. Last year alone, the Authority approved funding for 16 projects within 14 localities. Some of the projects included the embellishment of the public
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staircase in Triq San Tumas, Marsa, upgrading of Ġnien l-Istazzjon in Birkirkara, refurbishment of restrooms in a public garden in Żabbar and the refurbishment of Pjazza Kappillan Muscat in Ħamrun. This year, the Authority has already agreed to fund projects in the localities of Valletta, Mellieħa, Sliema, Mosta, Msida, St Julians, Nadur and Safi. In Valletta, two projects are being carried out. One includes paving works in over 11 streets and the second involves the restoration of an old palazzino in St Ursula Street which will be used as a Teens Club. In the locality of Safi, works will include the upgrading of the playing field area in Ġnien 13 t’April. One of the projects in Msida will be a new parking and traffic management system in Triq Oscar Zammit and Triq J. Borg. Over these past year and a half the Authority funded well over €4million. The Authority has also taken the decision that a local council cannot have an accumulated sum of more than €5 million in the DPF allocated for that given locality. Any additional funds will be distributed to other local councils at the Authority’s discretion.
The second edition of the Irrestawra Darek grant scheme, which closed on the 28th June once again received an overwhelming response, with well over 1,100 submissions. This year the scheme included an allocation of funds specifically for properties of registered voluntary organisations and persons with special needs located within Urban Conservation Areas (UCAs). As with last year, the scheme was also open for privately owned residential properties located within UCAs and Grade 1 and Grade 2 scheduled residential buildings. The highest number of requests from private owners came from the locality of Sliema, followed by Żebbuġ (Malta), Valletta, Rabat and Żejtun respectively. The €10 million grant scheme, up by a further €2 million from last year, will assist in the regeneration of Malta’s village core areas whilst promote investment in the restoration, conservation and maintenance of Malta’s built heritage.
Sebbaħ il-Lokal The Planning Authority launched a new €2.5 million initiative, Sebbaħ il-Lokal, which will serve as an incentive for a number of Local Councils to propose and implement projects which will introduce greenery or enhance public open spaces within their locality. This initiative is open to those local councils which as at the end of December 2017, had less than €100,000 allocated towards their locality within the Development Planning Fund (DPF). Those local councils which qualify for this initiative may benefit up €50,000 if they identify green initiatives or public open space enhancement projects. The Sebbaħ il-Lokal initiative is open for a two-year period. The local councils which are eligible for these funds include Balzan, Cospicua, Dingli, Għargħur, Gudja, Kalkara, Kirkop, Lija, Mdina, Mġarr, Mqabba, Mtarfa, Pembroke, Qrendi, Safi, Santa Luċija, Senglea, Siġġiewi, Tarxien, Vittoriosa, and Xgħajra in Malta. In Gozo, the localities include Fontana, Għarb, Għasri, Kerċem, Qala, San Lawrenz and Sannat.
Some of the recently completed projects FX Ebejer Garden in Swieqi The project consisted in the upgrading of an existing garden to include facilities in the form of equipment which simulated game like exercises. Other interventions included security lighting and other garden furniture.
Refurbishment of an open space in Għargħur A playground area in Ġnien ta’ Żagħruna, Triq Mattia Preti was completely refurbished. New playing equipment and removal of unsuitable structures were included as part of the works. This was an open site which was converted to a playing field to mainly serve the nearby housing estate.
A Running Track in Żejtun The project included the installation of a running track surrounding a football pitch and children’s play area at a site near the historic Chapel of San Girgor. It lies adjacent to a number of social and community facilities that mainly cater for the eastern side of Żejtun and close to the Żejtun Old People’s home. The running track was upgraded, as was the children’s play area, intended to complement the adjacent child care centre.
Embellishment and creation of a new garden in Birkirkara This project was carried out adjacent to the watercourse. The area was previously barely accessible and was dilapidated. The project now injects a new urban open space in the middle of highly densely populated areas. The site lies close to the Church of St Anthony, which has a number of social facilities. Considerable land modelling had to be undertaken together with hard and soft landscaping. Xagħra
Sannat
The description of all projects may be viewed on https://goo.gl/URdEeN
Ongoing projects Mellieħa St Paul’s Bay Għargħur
St Julian’s
Iklin Birkirkara
Sliema Valletta
Msida
Pietà
Siġġiewi
Marsa Qormi Ħamrun
Birgu Żabbar Żejtun
Kirkop Safi
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THIRD EDITION OF THE MALTA ARCHITECT AWARDS LAUNCHED IMNG LTD WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE PLANNING AUTHORITY LAUNCHED THE 3RD EDITION OF THE MALTA ARCHITECT AWARDS. THESE AWARDS AIM TO RECOGNISE FINISHED HIGH-QUALITY PROJECTS DESIGNED BY LOCAL ARCHITECTS.
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ver the past years, the Malta Architect Awards, has helped raise a positive awareness about the value of architecture in our Island and the culture of excellence that certain architects achieve with their projects. No matter the size and scope, projects are evaluated for their form, function, innovation, quality and energy efficiency . The Awards will be announced on the 5th October 2018 by a jury composed of both local and foreign professionals within the field. The jury will also be supported by an expert member who is specialised in the topic of the respective category. Planning Authority Executive Chairperson Johann Buttigieg said, “the main goal of these awards is to reward those architects who are contributing to a positive leap in the quality of design in the urban context. This is the third year we are promoting these awards because we believe that they also serve
to instil within the local architects’ profession a positive determination and competitiveness.” He added that, “the Authority is aware of the challenges it faces as a regulator in the development sector and the use of land. The authority remains committed to not only speak about the necessary leap in quality, but to be at the forefront itself, striving to be a reference point with regard to the quality design and service.” Interested Periti and interior designers may submit their projects until 31st July 2018. Registration can be done at www.architectawards.com.mt where there is also further information as well as all the regulations related to this competition.
AWARD CATEGORIES ßß ßß ßß ßß ßß ßß
Award for Rehabilitation & Conservation Award for Urban Design Award for Public Open Spaces Awards for Commercial Buildings Award for Interior Design Projects Award for Hospitality, Tourism Accommodation & Leisure Projects ßß Award for Sustainable Development ßß Emerging Architect Award
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KICK STARTING GREEN TRANSPORT PROJECTS
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he monies for this fund will be generated from part of the revised fees that developers have to pay should they not provide car parking spaces within their development. The new revised rates will better reflect the market value of garage spaces and will be homogenous for all localities. A three-tier rate system is being introduced, whereby a one car space not provided for on-site will cost the developer €2,500. From the third to the ninth car space not provided for on site, the developer will have to make a contribution of €6,000 per car space. From the tenth car space upwards a €10,000 contribution per car space will be imposed. The old contribution system, which fees were established in the 90s, used a model which differentiated between those localities which were part of the Commuters Parking Provisions System (CPPS) and those that were part of the Urban Improvement Fund (UIF) system. A developer who did not provide parking on site within a CPPS area, except for Mosta and St. Paul’s Bay, had to make a contribution of €2,096.43 per car space. If in Mosta or St Paul’s Bay the contribution had to be of €1,863.49 and €1,164.68 respectively. Within those localities which were part of the UIF system, a developer was requested to pay €1,164.68 per car space.
A NATIONAL GREEN TRANSPORT FUND HAS BEEN SET UP BY THE PLANNING AUTHORITY FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUPPORTING CAPITAL PROJECTS THAT WILL IMPROVE THE LAND TRANSPORTATION SITUATION IN MALTA AND GOZO.
So as not to adversely effect small businesses, the Authority did not drastically raise the fees where there is a shortfall of up to two cars. The contribution is significantly steeper for larger developments and should act as a deterrent for developers that opt out of providing onsite parking. While 70% of the generated fees will still be directed towards the locality-based Development Planning Fund, the remaining 30% will be directed towards green transport proposals called the Island-wide Green Transport Fund (IGTF). The Green Transport Fund will be open to all (including ministries, departments, local councils, NGO’s, private sector and private individuals) on a competitive basis with the Planning Authority then selecting the best projects for funding. Proposals would need to tangibly show a reduction in traffic and parking related impacts. The Authority is also introducing for the first time a mechanism which will allow applicants to request a refund from the on-street parking contribution they would have paid. The request can only be made under two circumstances; that an applicant with a valid development permit signs a declaration that he/she will not be ‘using’ the planning permission or where the applicant, through a new valid permit, provides additional parking spaces on site. For more information visit https://goo.gl/49K6A4
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‘LANDMARK’ BUILDINGS GIVEN HIGH PROTECTION A NUMBER OF LANDMARK BUILDINGS IN SLIEMA AND GŻIRA HAVE BEEN A GIVEN A HIGH PROTECTION STATUS BY THE PLANNING AUTHORITY FOR THEIR ARCHITECTURE AND HERITAGE VALUE. SOME OF THE LANDMARK BUILDINGS INCLUDE THE ST. PATRICK’S SALESIAN SCHOOL, THE EX-SAVOY HOTEL, THE ORIGINAL IMPERIAL HOTEL IN SLIEMA AND THE EXISTING POLYCLINIC BUILDING AND EX-WATER AND SEWER PUMPING STATION IN GŻIRA.
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he highest level of protection, that of Grade 1, was given to the neo-gothic building which served as the water and sewer pumping station in Gżira and the buffer zone area around the structures, known to locals as Il-Fortizza and It-Torri, in Sliema. Both the Fort and the Tower had been scheduled in 1995. The Authority also scheduled, as Grade 2 buildings, three cluster of houses in Triq Stella Maris and Triq ilMadonna tas-Sacro Cuor in Sliema. Other residences which received the same protection status include Lancaster House in Triq il-Lunzjata corner with Triq Castelletti and Villa d’Argens in Triq Cuschieri. Two authentic and rare grocery stores in Sliema, Victory Store and Colonial Grocery were also given Grade
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2 protection. These two retail properties carry a historical social significance and aesthetic/architectural value. Palazzo Capua, a 19th century neo-classical building which at the height of its grandeur included extensive gardens, typical of such stately home was also protected as a Grade 2 building. This Palazzo for a time served as the residence of the Prince of Capua (1811 –1862) and his wife Penelope Caroline Smyth while in exile. The facades’ of the ex-Sliema telephone exchange and those of a homogenous set of properties in Triq Tigne’ corner with Triq Sant’Antnin were also protected. Over the past months the Authority issued a heritage protection status for over 80 properties in Sliema and Gżira. The full list of properties which have been scheduled may be viewed at https://goo.gl/JtpysH
WATER AND SEWER PUMPING STATION, GŻIRA
CAPUA PALACE, SLIEMA
The Neo-Gothic building served as the Water and Sewer Pumping Station for the North Harbour towns. It was designed by Prof. Giorgio C. Schinas together with the Royal Engineer Captain T. J. Tressider. The building, which resembles a stately home rather than a utilitarian civic site carries a gothic revival style which was popular at the time, particularly in Sliema.
Capua palace is a 19th century neo-classical palazzo, characterised by the corinthian order colonnaded portico on all four sides. Internally it possesses a majestic staircase which acts as the main focal point. At the height of its grandeur, it included extensive gardens, typical of a stately home. During the Second World War, the Palazzo was used as an orphanage under the care of the Sisters of Charity and remained so up until 1978.
VILLA D’ARGENS, GŻIRA
ST PATRICK’S SCHOOL, SLIEMA
Villa d’Argens is an 18th century country villa, reputedly constructed by a French knight of St John, after whom Rue d’Argens has been named. A particular characteristic of the villa is its ‘siqifah’, a roofed public alley with the villa extending over the airspace of the alley. This architectural feature hails back to the Medieval period, the best local example being the ‘siqifah’ in Palazzo Santa Sophia, in Mdina.
The school and church were constructed at the beginning of the 20th century, the former being inaugurated in 1903 and the latter in 1905. The construction of this building was possible thanks to local benefactors, namely the philanthropist Alfons Maria Galea who donated the land. The school and church were designed by renowned local architect Andrea Vassallo (1856-1928), who is also responsible for a number of notable properties in the area — namely the Sliema Government School, Zammit Clapp Hospital and Villa Rosa in St Julians.
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NEW PLANNING E-TOOL: OLD SURVEY SHEETS PUT ONLINE
REGULARISE YOUR PROPERTY
Be in a better position to sell or acquire a bank loan for your property
? WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH CERTAIN PROPERTIES TODAY? Certain property owners are not in a position to place on the market or acquire a bank loan for their property due to an illegality which is non sanctionable and may have taken place years back.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO REGULARISE AN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE? STEP 1: An applicant needs to appoint an architect to submit an online application. The application will require the architect to submit certain documentation (site plan, drawings of elevations and sections, photographs and more). STEP 2: The application is published
CAN ALL EXISTING DEVELOPMENT BE REGULARISED? Applications will only be accepted for irregular buildings and structures within the development boundaries or which in past years benefitted from a Category B concession (within the development boundaries).* The irregular development must not constitute an injury to amenity.**
in the Government Gazette and on the website of the Department of Information. The public is given a 30 day period to submit any statement of opinion related to the application.
CAN A PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT GET INCLUDED IN AN APPLICATION? No. Any proposed development has to be applied for either through the Development Notification Order, the Summary Procedure or the Full Development Process application. This depends on the nature of the proposed development.
STEP 3: A report will be drawn up by a case officer with a recommendation.
STEP 4: A Planning Commission
WILL REGISTERED INTERESTED PARTIES STILL RETAIN RIGHTS?
The irregularity must appear in the 2016 aerial photographs taken by the Authority.
STEP 5: The Planning Commission decision is published in the Government Gazette and on the website of the Department of Information.
* WHAT IS A CATEGORY B CONCESSION?
STEP 6: The applicant or registered
When the Planning Authority receives an application for a site on which there is an enforcement notice still in force, the Authority will safeguard the interests of all third parties who had submitted a formal complaint for which a notice had been issued.
In 2012, owners of illegal buildings were then able to lodge a ‘concession’ application (known as a ‘CTB application’) to be able to obtain water and electricity services or to transfer property. Concessions were limited to specific categories of illegalities prescribed by law. Nevertheless, a concession was not tantamount to a planning permission.
comprising of 3 members will decide each application. All decisions are taken in public.
objectors may appeal if they are aggrieved by the decision.
In these cases, the Authority will inform these same third parties of the submitted regularisation application and offer them the option that within a 15 day period, they are to notify the Authority whether to be considered as registered interested parties.
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** WHAT IS AN INJURY TO AMENITY?
WHAT FEES ARE DUE?
An irregular development cannot jeopardise the ‘comfort, convenience, safety, security and utility that may be enjoyed within and around a property or neighbourhood’. When considering an application, decision-makers are therefore required to have regard to privacy distances, safety issues and outlook levels.
An applicant is obliged to pay a minimum administrative fee of €50 for every application. Additionally every application will be subject to a fee, calculated on the total and combined roofed over area of each floor of the property being regularised. A 25% surcharge on the fee shall be applied should the scheme be extended for a third year.
22 years HOW LONG IS THE SCHEME OPEN FOR? This one time opportunity is open for a 2 years period, extendable for 1 year.
Applications which are related to cases already covered by a Category B concession will automatically have deducted the fee they had paid the Authority when they applied for the concession in previous years. An application refused by the Authority, will be refunded 90% of the fee.
ARE YOU AN AGENT WORKING IN REAL ESTATE OR A UNIVERSITY STUDENT FOCUSING ON RESEARCH? AN ARCHITECT GIVING ADVISE TO A CLIENT? THE PLANNING AUTHORITY HAVE A NEW E-TOOL WHICH WILL ALLOW YOU TO RESEARCH THE PLANNING PERMIT HISTORY OF A SITE FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR WHEREABOUTS.
Registered interested parties automatically hold the right to appeal the Planning Commission’s decision before the Tribunal.
CAN THE AUTHORITY IMPOSE CONDITIONS? The Authority on issuing a permission will still retain the right to impose any conditions which it may deem necessary, including, the execution of specific works within a specified time-frame. Failing to abide by these conditions will result in the application being dismissed. The Authority also reserves the right to take enforcement action if an application gets refused.
The legal notice together with the schedule of fees may be downloaded from the Authority’s website www.pa.org.mt.
PA appoints three new directors
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he Planning Authority has appointed Ing. Stephen Ferrito, Perit Raphael Axiak and Mr Kevin Portelli as Director for ICT, Mapping and Digital Services, Director for Compliance and Enforcement and Director for Corporate Services respectively. Mr Johann Buttigieg Chairperson of the PA’s Executive Council said, “the appointment of the three directors has strengthened the management structure of this Authority and will help us to continue to deliver on our declared commitments. As a lead player in the public sector we will sustain our ambition to provide the most efficient service to customers, formulate planning policies to address current and future needs, support initiatives in favour of urban improvements and improve the public interface.” Ing. Ferrito has been heavily involved in a number of reforms the Authority has passed through over the years. Ing. Ferrito is also a parttime lecturer at the University of Malta, lecturing in Quality Management Principles since 1995. Perit Axiak graduated as an architect and civil engineer and holds a Masters degree in Town and Country Planning (UK). He joined the Planning Authority in 1995 and over the years he obtained extensive experience in development management, spatial planning and compliance and enforcement. Mr Portelli is a Malta CPA warrant holder and a fellow member of the Malta Institute of Accountants.
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ost World War II planning survey sheets which were used to geographically record where planning permits had been issued have now become available online. This latest e-tool followings a series of other online services the Planning Authority has rolled out over the past months. This new e-tool is an efficient, time-saver which will give all users the facility to research the planning permit history of a site within the comfort of their whereabouts. The survey sheets, which illustrate the story of urbanisation in Malta, stopped being used to record planning permits in 1990 with the introduction of the Geographical Information System. In total, the Authority has just under 1500 survey sheets some of which span over 50 years old. Each sheet covers an area of 2km2.
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A one time opportunity OVER THE PAST 21 MONTHS, THE PLANNING AUTHORITY RECEIVED A VERY HIGH RESPONSE FROM OWNERS WHO WISH TO REGULARISE THEIR NON-SANCTIONABLE PROPERTY.
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staggering 8,000 submissions has been submitted to the Planning Authority since the regularisation scheme was launched. Of these, nearly 7,000 submissions got validated resulting in over €16 million revenue through this scheme alone. Back in August 2016, the Authority launched the regularisation scheme with the prime purpose of facilitating the sale of properties which were idle on the market due to irregularities that were not sanctionable. Regularisation can only be considered if a property is located entirely within the development boundaries and appears in the Authority’s aerial photos of 2016 —
nothing after. The illegality cannot be creating an injury to amenity and the use of the building must be according to current policies. If one of these conditions cannot be satisfied, then the scheme cannot be applied. The applicable fee is calculated on the total and combined roofed over area of each floor of the property being regularised. The majority of the monies collected from this scheme, up to 70%, are utilised in the restoration of properties that are scheduled or in urban conservation areas, through the Irrestawra Darek grant scheme. 20% is allocated towards the Development Planning Fund, to be utilised by localities in community improvement projects.
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Summer brings with it a breaktime CONSCIOUS THAT THE DEMOLITION AND EXCAVATION PHASE AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE IS BY FAR THE GREATEST INCONVENIENCE FOR THE SURROUNDING NEIGHBOURHOOD, THE MALTA TOURISM AUTHORITY IN COLLABORATION WITH THE BUILDING REGULATION OFFICE AND THE PLANNING AUTHORITY HAVE IDENTIFIED THE LOCALITIES AND STREETS WHERE SUCH WORKS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS.
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o mitigate the nuisance that construction sites have on both the tourism industry and the number of Maltese families who move to their summer residence, between the 15th June and the 30th September 2018, excavation and demolition works in tourism areas are not permitted. The full list of localities and streets where demolition or excavation works are prohibited during the summer months may be viewed on the Planning Authority’s website www.pa.org.mt/summer-breaktime Over the past few weeks, the Planning Authority also started helping out in the enforcement of construction site regulations. The Authority is working in close collaboration with the Building Regulation Office to address these issues holistically. This initiative is increasing the monitoring and compliance to ensure that the construction industry is abiding by building regulations at sites where construction and related activities are ongoing. The initiative started off with the localities of Sliema, Gżira and San Ġiljan, being the region which collectively has the highest concentration of construction sites. More localities will be covered in the weeks ahead.
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