The Superintendent of Cultural Heritage is investigating construction works going on in very close proximity to a protected Punic-Roman tower dating back hundre
81 room hotel conditionally approved on Saqqaja hill
PA issues permit for hotel development conditional on the presentation of studies being approved by Superintendence for Cultural Heritage
29 April 2021, 3:22pm
by James Debono
In a topsy-turvy meeting, the Planning Authority board has approved the proposed 81-room five-storey hotel, but made final approval conditional on the completion of geological and archaeological studies assessing the impact of excavations on the heritage site.
The case officer had recommended approval of the project, which includes tunnels excavated in close proximity to the Loġġa tal-Palju, on the basis of studies deemed inadequate by the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage.
The old Tattingers nightclub at Saqqajja hill in Rabat is set to be demolished to make way for an 81-room five-star hotel despite geological concerns the works could damage Mdina’s fortifications and impact the skyline of the silent city.
The planning board voted to grant the application an executable permit with the condition that geotechnical studies are carried out and fulfilling all conditions set out by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and Planning Authority.
The applicants have six months to carry out the study and present the findings to the board before being allowed to proceed with the development.
A modernist house in Balzan is set to be demolished to pave way for a block of flats despite a group of architects last-ditch effort to save it.
In a vote on Wednesday, the planning commission board voted in favour of an application to tear down the circa 1960s building called Walmarville, but known as Diamond House, because of its distinctive glass panels.
The building on Old Railway Street, will make way for a maisonette and three apartments, including a pool at penthouse level, with a garage and four car spaces at basement level.
The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, represented by Jonathan Borg, made an impassioned plea for the retention of the house, or, at the very least, its façades.