Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1013924
NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 12 AUGUST 2018 JAMES DEBONO PLANS to convert Villino Zammit, a protected 19th century building fronting Sliema's High Street, into a boutique hotel, have hit a snag after the case officer entrusted to assess the project called on the PA board to refuse the permit. A public hearing is scheduled for 13 September. The proposed works would en- tail the demolition of an existing old wall along Triq San Nikola at the back of site, the construction of accommodation rooms in the villa gardens, additions at the sec- ond floor and four new floors on part of the building. Villino Zammit was designed by the prominent late-19th century architect Francesco Zammit and is one of the few surviving exam- ples of detached villas in Sliema complete with their surrounding gardens. The villa consists of an imposing two-storey, neo-classical struc- ture, originally constructed as an opulent residence with a large rear garden and smaller front garden. The gardens of the villa where most of the present development is proposed are not scheduled but according to the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage still have the same layout found in a survey dat- ing back to 1914. The proposed height of devel- opment is not in line with the Ur- ban Conservation Area in which it is located, and is in breach of design guidelines which require that building heights are based on a streetscape analysis in order not to create an unacceptable visual impact. This is the second application presented by applicant Malcolm Dato Mallia. In 2014 the Plan- ning Authority approved the res- toration of the Grade 2 building and the construction of a swim- ming pool in the garden. In 2003 a previous owner had presented an application for a change from residential use to a casino and res- taurant. The application also foresaw the construction of an additional floor and the provision of under- ground parking. The application was later withdrawn. JAMES DEBONO A substantial part of the grounds of Villa Arrigo in Naxxar is being earmarked for residential develop- ment. A planning control ap- plication presented by owners Chateaux Lim- ited is requesting the in- troduction of a cul-de- sac off St Paul's Street to cater for the new residen- tial plots. The new road will cut across the villa's grounds to link the proposed resi- dences to the main road. Plans presented to the Planning Authority show the land being parceled up into six separate resi- dential plots covering over 3,000sq.m. No indication is given on what kind of develop- ment will take place on these plots. The area im- pacted by the proposed development is fully lo- cated in the development zones. No development is be- ing envisaged on the part of the villa grounds in the immediate surroundings of the Villa Arrigo wed- ding hall, which are in- cluded in Naxxar's urban conservation area. But the development will still result in the re- moval of a number of trees. Villa Arrigo was con- structed by Cesare Gar- cin in 1887 and was originally known as Villa Garcin. Subsequently it was sold and renamed Villa Agius until it was renamed Villa Arrigo, now operating as an upmarket venue, ca- tering for various events, receptions and dinners. PA set to refuse four storeys on Villino Zammit Residences proposed at Villa Arrigo grounds