Apartment block proposal threatens damage to Birzebbugia’s Ghar il-Friefet (Bats’ Cave)
It’s not the first time that the cave, which houses a large colony of mouse-eared bats, has been threatened by development.
A proposed five-storey block in the southern town of Birzebbuga could cause damage to a protected subterranean structure known to locals as Għar il-Friefet (Bats’ Cave).
It’s not the first time that the cave, which houses a large colony of mouse-eared bats, has been threatened by development, owing to its location within a residential area. A protest against the construction of a house located above the cave was recorded as far back as 1985.
Since then, the local Planning Authority introduced a buffer zone around the cave, disallowing excavation close by, but the recent application to demolish a house and excavate the site to make way for a five-storey block with basement parking in the vicinity could jeopardise it.
The Birzebbuga Local Council is objecting due to the proposed development’s proximity to Għar il-Friefet, citing the buffer zone of at least 15 metres in relation to any excavation works.
Despite this, it would seem that the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage is not objecting, albeit confirming that the area is one of archaeological sensitivity.
The house which will be demolished to make way for the development, should the application go through / Google Maps
Objections have reportedly been submitted by Moviment Graffitti and Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar, citing the aforementioned buffer zone and potential threats to the cave structure, as well as neighbouring residences.