Proposed clinic in Attard centre will cause congestion, NGO warns
'The scale and intensity of the proposal are incompatible with the historic and residential character of the village core'
Plans to convert a traditional townhouse in the heart of Attard's Urban Conservation Area into a clinic will introduce intensive commercial use into one of Malta's most sensitive historic areas, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar said.
The environment NGO said the development application proposes consultation rooms, treatment areas, rehabilitation facilities and offices just across from Attard Parish Church within the church buffer zone and a residential streetscape.
"The scale and intensity of the proposal are incompatible with the historic and residential character of the village core," the NGO said.
"The development would generate a constant flow of patients, staff, visitors and suppliers, yet no on-site parking or dedicated drop-off facilities are being provided. The surrounding streets are narrow one-way traffic systems with limited parking, but no Transport Impact Assessment or parking study has been submitted to demonstrate that the road network can safely accommodate the additional traffic.
FAA said it had been contacted by Attard residents who were very worried about the proposal fearing increased congestion, noise and parking problems, undermining the peaceful residential character that characterizes Attard's historic centre.
FAA said the proposal constitutes overdevelopment and conflicts with the Strategic Plan for Environment and Development (SPED) and other planning policies.
It urged the public to email objections to representations@pa.org.mt.