Developers want to build 102 apartments at former Dolphin supermarket site
The recent application follows similar, less ambitious applications by the same developers
Developers have filed a fresh application for the development of the former Dolphin supermarket complex in Balzan, seeking to build 102 apartments, 132 basement garages, 15 shops, two offices and two terraced houses.
The application, filed by Clifton Cassar on behalf of CF Homes Ltd, marks the latest chapter in a saga of proposed development projects at the site, following similar, less ambitious applications in 2020 and 2021.
A previous application to build 88 apartments at the site was struck down on appeal.
The almost 4,000 square metre site straddles Triq il-Kbira, Triq Guzeppi Frendo and Triq Wied Ħal Balzan.
CF Homes Ltd is a subsidiary of CF Estates Ltd, owned by construction mogul Joseph Portelli – who holds the largest single proportion of shares – Cassar, Francis Agius, Stephen Falzon and Duncan Micallef.
The architect for the project is former Building and Construction Authority chair Maria Schembri Grima.
Planning documents suggest the proposed development would rise to four storeys on the side fronting Triq il-Kbira, while the two terraced houses are proposed to reach two storeys.
The proposal is set to include a jacuzzi and pool.
The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH) has expressed concerns over the development, which it noted was close to the locality’s Urban Conservation Area (UCA).
Highlighting that the surrounding area was “characterised by relatively low building heights and volumes”, it said the development would be out of harmony with the rest of the area, “and is likely to have a significant negative visual impact”.
The superintendence also pointed out that a World War Two air-raid shelter was located within 15 metres of the development.
Graphic: PA.The recent application follows a planning control application from the same developers last year to change the building alignment and to create a new pedestrian road connecting Triq il-Kbira and Triq Wied Ħal Balzan.
That application, while facing objections from the council, was eventually approved on the condition that developers do not remove two Ficus trees at the site.
In 2022, the Planning Authority approved plans submitted by CF Developer Ltd a year before to alter the facade of the site, demolish the interior and build 11 apartments across three overlying floors. That application also included pools and three shops.
Two years earlier, the same developers applied to demolish the retail, office, restaurant and bank complex formerly at the site in favour of 88 residential units, 68 basement garages, retail and gym facilities. A permit for that application was revoked by the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal.
The recent application is currently being screened.