Analysis of rate of frontage development in the Northwest local plan area

Abstract

In August and September 1995, the Local Planning Unit began to carry out its surveys on the analysis of rate of frontage development in the Northwest Settlement Local Plan, after the phase of consultations with local councils and other public agencies were ready. The survey covers the settlements area of Rabat, Mellieha, Qawra, Bugibba, San Pawl, Dingli, Mgarr, Burmarrad, Mtarfa, Bahrija, Zebbiegh, Xemxija, Wardija and Manikata. Boundaries were identified on the maps for every locality involved in the survey. The work was based on the proposals of the Temporary Provision Schemes. LOCATION: This report includes the studies taken on the settlement area of the Northwest of the islands as part of the local plan preparation process. The area surveyed runs roughly from Ghallis Point in the North, to Wied Fulijar in the South, but includes the major settlement area were temporary provision schemes are present. The area includes three main settlements namely Mellieha, St. Paul’s Bay and Rabat. The former two are important residential and recreational/tourism centres whereas Rabat is predominantly residential. Apart from the main settlements, there are a number of smaller settlements some of which are closely associated with the agricultural activities in the surrounding countryside. The largest are in Mgarr and Dingli, each with a population of over 2,200. other settlement include Burmarrad, Zebbiegh, Bahrija, Bidnija and Manikata. AIMS OF THE REPORT: This report gives many details about the history of each settlement included in these surveys, it highlights the major development which took place during the last 30 years with particular attention to the development carried out in the provision schemes during these last years. Studies were taken on how the schemes affected the demand and supply of vacant plots and the land which was leased for development. Much of the area has distinctive rural character and contains some of the most attractive and unspoilt countryside in Malta. This is under continuous pressure for change and development. Our aim is not to oppose further development in this plan area but to enhance as much as information to be included in a report about these settlement areas. The L.P .U's aim is to identify the real needs regarding land development for the future years while to protect the environment of such important places. Certain mistakes done in the past years which are mentioned in this report could be prevented and shall not be repeated