A structure encroaching the Għajnsielem belvedere will be allowed to remain in place due to the risk of destabilising the belvedere, an NGO said yesterday.

Last year, Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar presented the case to the Lands Department on behalf of Għajnsielem residents, protesting against the encroachment on the local belvedere from the Grand Hotel extension.

The authorities had initially denied that the developers had occupied public property, but an independent expert confirmed there had been encroachment. The Lands Department had taken legal action against the developer responsible but demolition of the offending structure is not being considered, the heritage pressure group explained in a statement. Instead, the encroachment will be subject to financial compensation, FAA said.

“It is hoped that adequate compensation will be set at today’s market prices, together with a fine for abusive usurpation of a public space,” FAA said.

It also condemned the hotel’s demolition of a ramp which allowed disabled people to enjoy this public space, and called on the National Commission for Persons with Disability to take action.