Sliema house should be preserved (1)

I fully agree with Mr Albert Rossi (The Sunday Times, December 5) who said that "it is indeed disgraceful that MEPA has, in principle, sanctioned the complete demolition of one of the oldest houses in Sliema".

The house is situated in the top of Ghar il-Lembi Street near the alley at High Street. Sliema council, Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party, the superintendent of Cultural Heritage, Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and residents have objected to its demolition.

Old maps indicate that this townhouse was constructed in the 18th century and is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Sliema. It shares an arched well with another property. Besides, the demolition of this house would also most probably require the demolition of a shop near it.

An outline permit has been issued for the proposed development (PA 02441/04 and PA 04447/05). However the building lies within the Sliema Urban Conservation Area, meaning that if the Structure Plan were to be followed, the building should be protected and not destroyed.

It would be ironic indeed if the house were destroyed in an area that was embellished at taxpayers' expense only a few years ago. Let us hope that MEPA does not authorise its destruction and reduce it to yet another mere memory in a photograph.