Traditional Żebbuġ farmhouse to be demolished instead of protected - FAA

Heritage NGO Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) yesterday said the Planning Authority had given approval for the demolition of a traditional Maltese farmhouse which should have been protected.

This happened despite the PA having received over 500 objections from residents and eNGOs. The building in question is situated right in the village core of the Żebbuġ Square, Gozo.

“The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage ignored residents and eNGOs warnings and made no efforts to oppose this development,” FAA said.

“Constructed in the vernacular style with timber beams and stone slab ceilings, and an arched loggia, this building should have been protected under current planning policies. In fact, because of its village core status, the Planning Authority could have barely allowed changes to the facade, let alone approve its complete demolition.

“If rehabilitated, this farmhouse would have been a unique chance for tourists to experience real Maltese architecture. Instead, the developers will demolish it and replace it with small concrete rooms masked with a fake facade, giving tourists nothing more than a cheap imitation.

“The Planning Authority keeps affirming its apparent determination to ruin Malta with each decision taken, and now with little left to demolish here, the same faith seems to have been decided for Gozo. It is shameful that with such destructive decisions they can still claim to have the nations interest at heart.”