Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1333591
8 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 27 JANUARY 2021 NEWS The Flying Carpet Importers of hand-knotted Oriental carpets THE FLYING CARPET - OLD RAILWAY TRACK, ATTARD Mon - Tues, Thurs - Sat 10am – 12pm • Wednesday morning closed Mon - Fri – 4.30pm - 7pm Importers of: Various hand knotted carpets and Kilims, Non Slip Underlay, Dry and Liquid shampoo. Mobile No. 7953 PA approves demolition of building on site earmarked for 13-storey Xlendi hotel JAMES DEBONO THE Planning Authority has approved the demolition of a building in Xlendi, on a site earmarked for the development of a mas- sive 13-storey hotel in Xlendi by developer Joe Portelli. The application approved is limited to the demolition of existing buildings located in Triq San Xmun and in Triq il-Punici and no excavations will be allowed at this stage as was initially proposed by the developers. But the Environment and Resources Au- thority (ERA) had called for the holistic as- sessment of both phase 1 and phase 2 of the project. The Munxar local council – as well as eNGOs Flimkien Ghall Ambjent Ahjar and Moviment Graffitti – also objected to the splitting of the application. Mayor Damien Christ Spiteri insisted that although no excavation would be allowed at this stage, the demolition of the buildings would still create a quarry due to the config- uration of the site. Residents also expressed concern that works in the area would en- danger their homes built in the 1980s. "It is irresponsible to approve the pro- posed application and move forward with the demolition without considering the fu- ture proposal for the excavated site," Ruth Mercieca from Moviment Graffiti said. FAA's Astrid Vella described the process as flawed and reminded the board of the inconvenience caused by "craters" like that on the Gzira site of the Metropolis devel- opment. "Leaving a hole in the area makes no sense," she said. "It is clear why the devel- opers are first applying for the demolition of the building before seeking approval for the hotel… This is a case of salami slicing of applications, which not be allowed." Commission chairman Claude Mallia in- sisted that the approval of the demolition did not entail a commitment on the future of the site. He said he understood the con- cern about the possible development and encouraged further discussion on the mat- ter. The second phase of the development, which still has to be approved, involves the construction of a 13-storey four-star hotel with 80 rooms and ancillary facilities. The 846sq.m site is situated in a very narrow street within Xlendi, in the vicinity of the coastline. Objectors had described the development as excessive and out of proportion with the surroundings and one which will intensi- fy the development in an area already be- sieged by excessive development. The site is situated in a narrow street with- in Xlendi, close to the coastline. Objectors said a development of this na- ture in this area is excessive and would un- doubtedly have a significant, adverse effect on the character of an area which merits protection.