Appeal against refusal of proposed hotel and marina at Ħondoq begins

Developers are arguing that their right to a fair hearing was breached by the Planning Authority, as an appeal regarding the refusal of a development at Ħondoq bay kicked off.

Developers are asking the Appeals tribunal to overturn the PA Board decision against the development of a hotel and marina on a protected part of the coastline.

The proposed development would have turned a disused quarry, as well as a garigue area overlooking Ħondoq into a nine-floor hotel, with four levels of underground parking, and 110 rooms.

Developers are arguing that since they were given only 15 days to prepare for the PA hearing, their right to a fair hearing was breached.

The developers also want their new plans which would see the marina replaced with a lagoon, be sent back for assessment and considered.

The Qala local council has maintained its opposition to the project. Deputy Mayor Paul Buttigieg said that the council doesn’t feel the decision of the board should be overturned after 14 years of study.