Tabled before the Development and Planning Commission this morning, the Government’s Aerial Farm ‘affordable housing scheme’ was dubbed by some members as ‘harsh’ and ‘old fashioned’. Towering at 15 stories, the two blocks  are currently in the early stages of development, and are set to include 38 one-bedroom apartments, 166 two bedroom apartments, 321 three bedroom apartments an 39 four bedroom apartments.

At a total cost of £76,098,315.31, the project includes a separate two storey parking facility in the area of Eastern Beach’s current car park. This will result in a further 440 parking spaces in the area. CCTV will be installed in the estates, and each apartment will include a storage and clothes drying area. Each building will have their own foyer complete with energy saving LED lighting and low level wind turbines to generate re-usable power. An aerodynamic study on the area is currently being carried out.

Although the project was commissioned by the Government, it was tabled before the DPC for feedback and comments. Both the Ministry for Heritage and the Heritage Trust have called for an archeological study of the area to be carried out, as it is known to have potential archeological value. Janet Howitt of the ESG insisted that the 15 storey blocks appeared old fashioned and would stick out in what is currently a beautiful and understated area. Carl Viagas of the Heritage and Culture Agency agreed, adding that the buildings were massive structures and appeared too ‘block like’. He suggested that perhaps more glazing could be used.