Mepa auditor to probe Floriana permit

The planning authority's auditor will be investigating the development of a block of flats in Floriana, following a request by a neighbour who has been battling the looming construction because of health and heritage concerns.

Artist Isabelle Borg, who claims her home in Market Street would be buried in dust when the building is demolished, while light and air would be blocked out when it is reconstructed, wrote to auditor Joe Falzon as soon as the permit was approved in February.

To date, she said she has not received any acknowledgment of her request for an inquiry but Mr Falzon this week confirmed he would be investigating the issue and had gathered the related files.

Ms Borg, a university lecturer, suffers from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a degenerative lung disease that she says can only be exacerbated by the dust and pollutants that result from demolition, excavation and construction.

She wrote to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority's auditor to request a proper inquiry into how what was considered to be a listed building on a protected site, worth preserving from the historical point of view, has been overlooked.

The developer, Edmond Vella, says he is only rehabilitating his property, his home of 34 years. Through his lawyer Ian Refalo he has objected to being "unnecessarily pictured in a bad light" and denied that his project would in any way negatively affect the lifestyle of the artist, blocking out light and air.

The development was "completely in line with the applicable policies", he has said, also denying the building dates back to the 18th century.

"It appears some persons are more interested in whipping up emotions, rather than thinking rationally. Naturally, it is easy to be emotional when sound judgment does not buttress your case," his lawyer had said in his defence.

The building is making way for a block of flats with underground garages, and a smaller courtyard.

In her letter to Mr Falzon, Ms Borg maintained that the permit for the development on Sir Luigi Preziosi Square was approved "contrary to the fact that it was listed for scheduling as part of a block of buildings in an urban conservation area, which has already been partially demolished and redeveloped".