Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1083753
4 NEWS maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 20 FEBRUARY 2019 JAMES DEBONO A massive 24-storey hotel over- looking Wied Ghomor is being proposed by the Mikiel Anton Vassalli bridge, further uphill from the St Julian's school in the road leading down to Spi- nola Bay. The new hotel is being pro- posed inside development zones in an undeveloped plot of just over 3,000 square metres, surrounded by existing roads and enjoying views of the pro- tected valley. The area is presently zoned as a public open space by the North Harbour local plan, a policy aimed at protecting re- maining open public spaces and prevent their development to other uses. The development is be- ing proposed by Tum Invest, founded in 2015 following a di- vision from the Tumas Group of companies. The new company had re- tained the automotive, property and healthcare arms of the busi- ness. The company declared fully owning the site. The outline application pro- posed the construction of a ho- tel with related amenities and to establish its building envelope. Plans foresee three levels of basement parking for parking and 24 overlying floors. Valley views are becoming increasingly attractive for pro- spective hotel developers. Only last year the Planning Authority approved a five-storey high ho- tel with 23 rooms was approved on land previously occupied by a 60 sq.m garage, located out- side the building zone in St Ju- lian's on the valley side between the Tigullio complex and the Mikiel Anton Vassalli bridge. Another guesthouse, proposed instead of two ODZ villas ap- proved instead of the ruins of an old farmhouse in 2017, is currently awaiting a permit in the immediate vicinity of the bridge. St Julian's Wied Ghomor earmarked for massive 24-storey hotel MATTHEW AGIUS A man held in custody at Cor- radino Correctional Facility has denied harassing his ex-wife from prison. The Libyan man, whose name is subject to a court-imposed re- porting ban, stands accused of the rape of his ex-wife in separate proceedings in which he had been remanded in custody. The man was arraigned again today, accused of breaching a pro- tection order issued in favour of his ex-wife and harassing her. Inspector John Spiteri told mag- istrate Rachel Montebello this morning how the night before a sitting in which the woman was due to testify, the accused had called her up from prison begging her to forgive him. He had made a number of calls and sent several letters to the victim, explained the inspector. Lawyer Victor Bugeja, appearing as legal aid to the accused, entered a plea of not guilty. Bail was not requested in view of the fact that the man was already in custody. Prison inmate accused of harassing ex-wife from prison Valley views are becoming increasingly attractive for prospective hotel developers