One of the oldest buildings in St Julian’s appears set for demolition after objections to plans for a new guesthouse were dismissed by the Planning Authority.
The 19th century house is located within the urban conservation area of Sliema and St Julian’s at the corner of Old College Street and St Julian’s Hill (known as It-Telgħa tal-Kirxa).
It will be completely demolished to make way for a 10-room guesthouse, including an additional floor, which the PA’s planning directorate has recommended for approval.
A decision is expected on February 28.
Several environment and heritage groups, as well as the Sliema local council, all objected to the proposal, citing the historical value of the building and its surroundings.
But these objections were all dismissed by the directorate, which said that as they had been submitted before a change in the plans – which originally aimed at a residential development instead of the guesthouse – they were “not relevant” to the proposal.
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In response, Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar said its grounds for objection remained the same and that the directorate’s decision was “completely unacceptable” and “a direct infringement on objector’s rights”.
The Sliema Heritage Society described the area as “one of the oldest and still best preserved fragments of mid- to late 19th century urban fabric in Sliema and St Julian’s”.
“[It-Telgħa tal-Kirxa] was the subject of various photographers and artists and is still considered as one of the most picturesque corners in the area. This house can be easily rehabilitated and restored like others which authorities have insisted upon,” it said.
Din L-Art Ħelwa also called for the application to be refused and the building preserved, while the local council raised concerns over the proposed height, noting that the maximum allowed would have a ripple effect on similar proposals in the same street.
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Despite these objections, the directorate concluded that the proposal was in line with planning policy which allows for guesthouses in the designated area as long as they are compatible with the surrounding UCA.
“The proposed interventions at the front elevation protect and enhance the UCA characteristics,” the directorate said.
“The proposed elevations offer a higher quality design to the facade. Both the Design Advisory Committee and the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage are not averse to the proposal.”