A proposal has been put forward for a residential development in Rabat, Malta, on a site previously occupied by a disused mushroom farm. The development plans include ten two-story "low density, net zero energy" homes over a 4,000sq.m area in the Tas-Salib locality, known for its high landscape value near Chadwick Lakes and historic cart ruts. The initiative aims to create an "eco-community farm" while restoring the land's original topography.
Despite its location outside designated development zones and being isolated from nearby residences, the site is part of a rural hamlet where development is permissible under specific conditions. However, the local development plan restricts construction to certain types of sites, excluding areas with mature trees or those contributing to the local character. This proposal marks a second attempt to redevelop the mushroom farm, which ceased operations in 2013 following complaints from local residents about odors.
A previous application for eight homes was rejected in 2019 due to non-compliance with rural development guidelines and the Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development's restrictions on rural land use. Arguments that the ceased mushroom farm operations should align with rural hamlet regulations were dismissed by the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal. The Environment and Resources Authority also opposed the development, citing unauthorized alterations to the site and the principle against using disused animal farms for residential projects. The Planning Authority's agricultural advisory panel has expressed initial objections to the current proposal, noting that the applicant is not registered for agricultural activities, and the project does not serve agricultural purposes.
Source: maltatoday