Demolition starts on illegal Armier villa after mounting pressure

The developers of an unauthorised villa in Armier that was built without a permit and subject to an enforcement notice have started dismantling the structure.

Media reports on Tuesday showed workers engaged by a private contractor operating at the site, with videos showing workers using machinery on the roof.

Sections of the roof appeared to have been removed when Times of Malta visited the site, but workers had already left the site.

Sources close to the Planning Authority (PA) confirmed that the authority had been informed that demolition works had begun and that it was monitoring the situation. A projected timeline for the structure’s demolition is unclear, however.

The source noted that the PA retained the right to pursue further action against the contraveners despite the demolition.

The unauthorised structure was first highlighted by the Malta Ranger Unit (MRU) around two weeks ago, when the rangers spotted construction material being brought to the site.

The structure’s removal follows continued pressure from the MRU, Mellieħa mayor Gabriel Micallef, who wrote to the Planning Authority (PA) about the case, and online outrage at what many saw as an example of lax enforcement by the authority.

Workers had moved quickly to throw up the unauthorised structure; on May 29, it was just a collection of bricks waiting to be assembled, but by June 6, the plastering of the walls and installation of ceiling beams had been completed.

While the contravener Franklin Mangion was hit by an enforcement notice, the rangers had described the measure as “powerless”, noting construction continued undeterred.

Although Mangion was initially the only private contravener listed in the enforcement notice, the notice also lists one Mario Attard as a contravener at the time of publication.

It remains unclear whether Tuesday’s dismantling follows increased pressure from the PA, but speaking to Times of Malta last week, a spokesperson for the rangers said the unit had contacted the PA “every day” while the works were ongoing.

The authority told the MRU it had already visited the site before one report was made, and on another occasion, workers had already left the area before officers turned up, the spokesperson said.

While many had called for the PA to move in and dismantle the site itself, the authority noted that, according to standard procedure, contraveners have 16 days to remove illegal structures themselves.

And even then, the contravener may appeal an enforcement notice, suspending direct action until a decision is made.

Environmental lawyer Claire Bonello told Times of Malta the unauthorised structure in Armier was an example of a systemic problem, with contraveners able to sidestep direct action by applying for sanctioning, preventing further intervention by the PA until the application has been decided.

Bonello said the PA avoids taking direct action and does not use other powers at its disposal, such as confiscating construction tools and vehicles.