A master plan guaranteeing a “more homogenous” Marsalforn promenade, has been given the green light by the Planning Authority after being submitted by the Gozo Ministry.
The approved master plan sets out the layout and the preferred options of design furnishings associated with the placing of the tables, chairs and canopies in the seaside village.
The Planning Authority said the master plan would serve to ensure that a more homogenous approach is adopted by outdoor catering areas along the promenade.
It would also serve to ensure that any proposed tables and chairs along the promenade will not conflict with other land uses, namely the residential areas, the pedestrian areas along Triq il-Port and the fishermen’s zone in the Menqa area.
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The news comes a couple of months after the overturning of a PA refusal of the development for two food outlets and 12 apartments on Triq il-Wied, adjacent to the promenade.
Vehicles will only be allowed to enter the pedestrianised area to render a service
The development will be replacing two townhouses and signs were already up last month asking residents not to park in the area.
The appeal was submitted on grounds, among others, that the building did not form part of a series of similar facades that created a sequential pattern along a streetscape that would otherwise be disturbed by the proposed demolition.
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Rather, the site was squashed and flanked by high new developments on both sides.
The master plan will meanwhile allow shading devices, but catering establishments will have to choose from four available options. The types of chairs and tables will have a contemporary design and complement the type of shading devices.
The master plan also promotes the pedestrianisation of the entire promenade.
The streets are to be paved in porfido or lava. Vehicles will only be allowed to enter the pedestrianised area to render a service within stipulated time frame.
Individual owners and operators of catering establishments in the master plan area can now apply with the authorities to occupy the areas indicated within the master plan with the full knowledge that these sites have already been approved in principle for this particular use.
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