PA adds open space rules to its Ta' Qali rezoning plans

Forty per cent of the footprint of developments in a zone earmarked for commercial projects in Ta’ Qali will have to be for open spaces, under fresh proposals for policy changes issued by the Planning Authority. Details of the partial review of the Ta’ Qali Action Plan, which has been in the pipeline for two years, were divulged in a document issued for public consultation which runs until October 16. Under this proposal, an existing industrial zone having an area of about 60,000sq metres, adjacent to the US Embassy complex, will be converted to a commercial zone. This might incorporate supermarkets, medical clinics, educational facilities, offices, food and drink establishments as well as storage and distribution buildings. However, no new development will be permitted within an area which at present is used as a parking facility.  Plans to rezone this area were first floated in late 2018, but no decision has yet been taken due to changes in the wake of the feedback received. This is the third time that the proposals have been issued for consultation. In the latest version, the Planning Authority is saying that separate development applications will not be considered,...