Plans for a Lidl in Żebbuġ prompt council objections

The Żebbuġ local council has raised concerns over plans for a new Lidl supermarket on land that is outside development zones between Mdina Road and Attard Road. The proposal, currently being assessed by the Planning Authority, would involve the demolition of the existing SMW Cortis building to make way for the supermarket as well as surface parking and a basement-level commercial and industrial complex. Around a third of the 14,000 square metre site is designated as an area of containment, where industrial development is allowed, but the project would spill over onto a significant portion of surrounding ODZ land to accommodate parking and road access. In a representation to the PA, the Żebbuġ council said residents had raised significant objections to the project, including over parking and traffic problems, and the social impact on the residential area, as well as the take-up of ODZ land. The council called for social and traffic impact studies, including assessment of alternative means of transport, health impacts due to pollution, as well as economic impacts of traffic congestion. READ: A 'land bank' for abandoned ODZ sites?  On environmental concerns, the council added: “Any...