Luqa complex given permit

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority yesterday approved the development of a residential complex on a 7,600 square metre site in Luqa and a pharmaceutical factory at Hal Far.

The complex, situated at the eastern edge of Luqa and overlooking the Marsa Industrial Estate, Hal Saflieni valley and Garibaldi Street, will consist of 150 residential units, 201 garages, 29 open-plan visitor parking spaces, a landscaped public open space and an internal road.

The highest building of the development is seven storeys. The topmost floor is receding from the permit façade. This is more than double the height allowed under normal development conditions.

The development was approved with a number of conditions including that the applicant, Polidano Brothers, has to enter into a public deed within six months of the issue of the development. The firm will have to ensure:

¤ the retention of public open spaces as undeveloped spaces for the lifetime of the project;

¤ the construction of all junction improvements outlined in the traffic impact statement; and

¤ the construction of a public garden and the realignment of the road network at Mikelang Sapiano and Patri Indri Schembri streets.

Mepa also approved the development of pharmaceutical factory Medichem at Hal Far Industrial Estate.

The factory is planning to employ 25 workers in its first year of operation going up to 28 within three years.

Due to a lack of adequate sewage facilities the management agreed to temporarily store toilet waste until such time that the factory is linked to the sewage system.