Anger as apartment block is proposed for former Żurrieq farmland
The Planning Authority executive council voted unanimously to allow development to take place on the arable land in July 2023
The first application to build a block of flats in a recently re-zoned area of Nigret, on the outskirts of Żurrieq, has been filed, prompting anger from residents.
If approved, the application filed by Francis Agius on behalf of F. Agius Developers will see a four-storey block built on the site, which used to be in Outside Development Zone (ODZ) land before the rezoning.
The proposed development comprises a maisonette, 10 apartments and a penthouse with a pool, with the application also including excavation works to build eight garages at semi-basement level.
The area, which had been earmarked for development under the 2006 “rationalisation” scheme, remained ODZ until a successful planning control application by developer James Barbara and signed by former PN planning minister George Pullicino opened the area up for development.
The PA’s executive council voted unanimously to allow development to take place on the arable land in July 2023.
Residents and farmers in the area have opened ongoing judicial proceedings against the government over the Planning Authority's (PA) decision to rezone the 11,500 square metres of agricultural land for private development.
Money for those proceeding were crowdfunded by Residenti taż-Żurrieq.
A large portion of the €3,500 was collected following the funeral of Andrew Schembri, the late guitarist of well-known Maltese band Brikkuni. Schembri, who died at the age of 29 in June 2023, was born and raised in the area.
On Friday, local residents group Residenti taż-Żurrieq called on the public to object to the development application PA/1042/26.
Residents argue the proposal is the first in the area and that the PA is legally required to consider all planning considerations, including the cumulative effects the development could have.
They also oppose developing the green buffer, which residents said “represents one of the remaining open and agricultural landscapes within the locality”.
“The local community has consistently and unequivocally opposed development within the Nigret area since its inclusion within the 2006 Rationalisation Schemes. This opposition was formally recorded during the Planning Control (PC) application stage and remains unchanged,” the residents’ group said.
In an earlier statement on Facebook, the group called for unity in the face of the development.
"From now on, more than ever before, we need, as Żrieraq and residents, to stand united against this unnecessary destruction," they said.
Over a hundred people have so far issued their objections to the Planning Authority, often quoting the arguments brought forward by the residents’ group.