FAA calls for PA Commission's resignation after Sliema hotel permit overturned
The permit for two 14-storey hotels in a narrow alley was overturned on Thursday
Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) is calling for the resignation of the PA Commission after it granted a permit for two 14-storey hotels in a narrow Sliema alley, which was later overturned on appeal.
On Thursday, the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal (EPRT) ruled in favour of dozens of individual objectors, as well as the Sliema local council, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar and Din l-Art Ħelwa.
In June 2024, the PA granted permission for application PA/3957/21, even though hotels are not usually permitted in residential areas.
FAA said the PA Commission members, Stephania Baldacchino, architect Anthony Camilleri and architect Mireille Fsadni have betrayed their responsibility to "provide a better quality of life for the community through transparent and fair planning services".
"In view of their blatant violation of the law and dereliction of duty, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar maintains that the members of the Commission are not fit to adjudicate cases, and calls for their resignation," the statement said.
The NGO said it was a positive move that the EPRT planning tribunal's decision had revoked the permit to build the two 14-storey hotels in a lane barely 1.6 metres wide. The two hotels were to include an indoor pool, gym, a spa and an outdoor pool at roof level of each hotel.
While the Planning Authority Case Officer had recommended refusal to the project, the PA had gone against the recommendation and the strong objections from Transport Malta, the Design Advisory Committee and the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, to issue the permit for two hotels.
"At that point, when all seemed lost, FAA and 46 determined residents got together to appeal this decision and, with the invaluable input of Dr Darren Carabott and Perit Jesmond Mugliett, succeeded in having this permit revoked," the statement read.
The FAA said the EPRT condemned the Planning Authority Commission for ignoring its legal obligation as per the Development Planning Act to take on board the input of the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage.
“The demolition of the heritage buildings in Zimmermann Lane shows how our heritage is being destroyed by the government's refusal to suspend construction while under appeal," said Astrid Vella, FAA Coordinator.
She said the decision was a huge victory for civil society, yet questioned why residents should spend their time and money to have PA's abusive permits revoked.
She also questioned why the Planning Authority Board and Commissions repeatedly go against the Development Planning Act in issuing permits that go against their own consultee's recommendations.