Watch: Objectors in uproar after Xlendi developers fail to show up for meeting

Tensions flared at a Planning Authority hearing for a proposed 13-storey replacement of the former Xlendi Hotel on Tuesday after objectors learned that the case was deferred due to the permit applicant’s absence.

The authority was expected to decide on application PA1633/24, which proposes the building of a 13-floor residential block comprising 46 units, a shop, and underground garages, replacing earlier plans for a four-star hotel on the site.

However, when the much-awaited case was called, those present were told that the applicant would not be attending, having sent a message to the PA late on Monday evening. No reason was given for the absence. As a result, the hearing was automatically postponed. 

The applicants are Excel Investments, jointly owned by Joseph Portelli, Daniel Refalo and Mark Agius.

The announcement triggered frustration among those opposing the project.

“We came from abroad to be here for this hearing,” two objectors physically present at the sitting said.

“If we could plan ahead, he could have also been present. This is so unfair for people," they protested.

Another objection came from the representative of Din l-Art Ħelwa Għawdex, Daniel Cilia, who expressed dismay online that the applicant was not present, saying the developers do whatever they want.

“Can’t we all just join online? I am in Italy right now. If you have a mobile, you can join online. What’s the problem? The applicant couldn’t make it to the hearing about his own building while others took time to be here,” he said.

He also accused the developers of exploiting the process.

“They do this to tire us out. This is all coming out of our personal time,” he said. "This is coming out of our time and taking away from our work to be here.”

He stressed that objectors could not be expected to rearrange their lives because the applicant decided not to attend.

The chairperson replied that the procedure required the applicant to be present and that, in their absence, the case was automatically deferred. She noted that the applicant could have been unwell, though the reason for his absence remained unclear. The case was deferred to November 4.

Long-running controversy

The Xlendi Hotel redevelopment has been mired in controversy since 2020, when the application to redevelop the hotel stated that the demolition was the first phase of the project.

Excel's original application for phase 2 proposed the development of an 88-room, four-star hotel over 14 floors. That plan was withdrawn after hundreds of objections.

A subsequent application proposing 51 apartments and two shops was also withdrawn before reaching the Planning Authority board.

The latest proposal abandons the tourism element altogether, opting instead for a residential complex of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

If approved, the project would be an anomaly, as the area is not earmarked for tall buildings under the Planning Policy Guide on the Use and Applicability of the Floor Area Ratio. The policy states that buildings higher than 10 floors will only be considered in specific designated areas. Xlendi is not one of those localities.

The Din l-Art Ħelwa Għawdex representative warned about the precedent it could set.

“And then you have two parties that say they don’t want to build towers and now there will be a tower in Xlendi,” he said.

On Monday, Opposition leader Alex Borg said he opposed the construction of towers in Gozo, after appearing to suggest otherwise during an interview last week.

Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Sunday that he was “shocked” by Borg’s earlier comments, insisting they highlighted “fundamental differences” between the government’s policy and that of the Opposition.

Activists pushback

Hours before Tuesday’s hearing, activist group Moviment Graffitti described the Xlendi development as “obscene”.

“Xlendi has already been ravaged by reckless construction – but approving a 13-storey tower in such a congested area is sheer madness,” the group wrote on social media. “The bay will be buried in the shadow of this concrete monster, and the little remaining natural beauty of Xlendi will be destroyed forever.”

The project remains pending before the Planning Authority.