‘Planning Authority applying double standards to Sliema’s Heritage’, FAA charges

Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) yesterday argued that the Planning Authority is being inconsistent, as demolition for a townhouse on Stella Maris Street in Sliema has been recommended for approval by the case officer only weeks after the authority refused the demolition of a similar townhouse just a few doors down.

FAA said yesterday, “The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, as official consultants to the Planning Authority requested that the application be amended to respect the protected streetscape and ensure that the valuable features of this 19th century townhouse are preserved. Without such amendments, the Superintendence insisted that the development be refused.

“The applicant ignored all the requests, persisting on tearing the building down and developing it instead into a 5-storey apartment block, without having even provided adequate documentation of the building’s interior. Despite this being in direct conflict with the Superintendent’s position, the Planning Authority is recommending an approval.

“The recommendation comes only a few weeks after the Planning Authority refused a similar application just a few doors down along Stella Maris Street. The decision for refusal, hailed by FAA as a victory for citizens, came after hundreds of residents filed representations to the Planning Authority via an online platform launched by the eNGO.

“Clearly, when under the radar, the Planning Authority’s attitude is quite different to when under the public’s gaze. Approving the demolition of this building would go against heritage planning policy, and would be absolutely inconsistent with the decision taken by the same Authority only a few weeks prior.”

The final decision determining the fate of the 19th century townhouse will be taken by Planning Commission on the 6 October.

FAA adds, “The architect applying for its demolition is also responsible for the Cloisters development, approved last year by the Planning Board, that will see the unique architectural treasure dwarfed by an 8-storey apartment block, the ruin of an early townhouse on Cathedral Street also set to be dwarfed by a 6storey apartment block, and another similar development on the Pieta Marina, this time resulting in a listed protected heritage building being transformed into a seven-storey apartment block.”

Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar said it has filed an appeal against the Pieta case and that it “will continue advocating for the preservation and rehabilitation of these monuments that form part of our national heritage.”