Zejtun council yesterday said it was holding the Malta Environment and Planning Authority responsible for the destruction of the scheduled Villa Fremaux in St Catherine Street.

The building, used as a hospital under French rule, was included on the 1925 antiquities list which was in effect until the new Heritage Act came into force a few months ago.

According to the 1990 Planning Act, the property was listed as a grade 2 building, which meant its interior could be altered, while the façade had to be kept intact.

But the Development Control Commission, the council said, approved an application for the destruction of the façade on December 10 against the Planning Directorate's recommendation.

The destruction of the façade has also been criticised by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, which on Monday expressed its "disgust" at what was taking place.

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