Residents oppose planned St Andrew's 'eyesore'

Residents in St Andrew's have signed a petition objecting to the proposed demolition of the former Forum Hotel and an adjacent villa to pave the way for blocks of apartments and shops.

The 150 residents who signed the petition claim that the development, which will take two years to complete, will rise too high and will affect their standard of living.

Three planning applications have been submitted for the site, one in 2004 (PA 3907/04) and two in 2005 (PA 3043/05 and PA 7245/05). They are still being processed and analysed by the Planning Directorate within the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

The residents complain that the latest description of the development differs from the original application submitted by the developer and are insisting that the site notice be re-published for consultation. The original application said the development would include the construction of apartments, semi-detached villas, showrooms, basement garages and a shop. The latest plan is for blocks of apartments, a few local shops and a cafeteria.

A Mepa spokesman said that if the applications are found to have differed, the public would have the opportunity to submit any comments within the stipulated time. The rights of objectors would be respected throughout the whole process in line with the Development Planning Act.

The residents claim the proposed building heights - four, five, six and even seven storeys from the lowest street level - exceed that stipulated in the North Harbour Local Plan. According to the project description statement.

This will "ruin the entire area aesthetically and will end up a hotchpotch of architectural designs". The development will become a prominent eyesore for all residents in the vicinity.

In their petition, the residents also warn that allowing the construction "will set a dangerous precedent that will eventually lead to further over-development", and also complain about the hours of construction and traffic management arrangements being proposed.

mxuereb@timesofmalta.com