Planning decision neglects streetscape

It was indeed a sad decision that taken by Mepa recently in relation to the proposed development at 75, Windsor Terrace, Sliema.

This decision defies all sense of logic and aesthetics and goes against Mepa's recent drive towards sustainable development. It is completely beyond me how one can approve the destruction of one of the few remaining rows of houses in the Sliema Urban Conservation Area.

Rows of houses of equal height give a sense of harmony to the streetscape. With the granting of this permit we will have a five-storey block of flats right in the midst of a row of elegant two-storey houses.

This will destroy all visual harmony in the street and will create more unsightly blank third-party walls.

I really hope that Mepa puts a stop to these absurd decisions and the erratic development that has already ruined most of our built environment.

In the revision of the Local Plans, currently under way, Mepa should ensure that rows of identical houses are protected as they give a sense of order in the street, something that is becoming increasingly rare in Malta.

Any development on rows of houses should be holistic in nature and focus on the entire streetscape as opposed to the piecemeal development we have at present.

This should apply not just to urban conservation areas but to all areas of Malta.