Planning Authority approves St Julian’s kiosk, despite local council objection

The Planning Authority yesterday approved the construction of a small kiosk in St Julian’s, near Spinola gardens, despite an objection by the local council.

The kiosk will sell tickets and provide tourism information.

St Julian’s deputy mayor Albert Buttigieg said he spoke on behalf of a united council, and of the residents. “I feel there was very little effort to hear the residents’ side in these proceedings. You didn’t really hear how it would affect residents, how a pushchair or wheelchair will pass should there be a kiosk. We didn’t hear how it would improve the quality of life of residents.

“Will we continue to commercialise all of St Julian’s? Are they going to take our pavements now? Is it fair that residents can’t even walk on the pavements?” he asked.

Dr Buttigieg said that the council recently held discussions with Transport Malta, about pushing in part of the pavement so that buses could stop there without causing traffic to come to a standstill, similar to what was done for the taxis just round the corner. With this project, however, that would not be possible.

“If you as an entity are there to respect residents, and then don’t, don’t expect residents to respect this entity,” he said.

The Malta Tourism Authority and Transport Malta had no objection to the project. The kiosk will be two metres high and it will have the shape of a hexagonal screw. The kiosk will sit on government-owned land.

The application passed, with eight votes in favour, and four against.