Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1516944
8 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 6 MARCH 2024 NEWS JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt Develop now, sanction later Fortina applies to sanction lido irregularities Chairperson outvoted in Fleur de Lys permit THE Fortina Group has pre- sented an application to reg- ularise works which deviated from plans approved by the Planning Authority in 2020. The works the group want sanctioned include a consid- erably larger than approved lift structure on promenade level which now includes an "enclosure to the staircase at street level". The latest application also foresees an extension of the restaurant's dining area on an underlying terrace and the addition of a canopy to cover it. Plans to extend lido facilities over 625sq.m through land reclamation had been ap- proved by the Planning Board in June 2020 three years be- fore parliament approved the transfer of the land to the group for €70,000 and after the lido's official opening. The project foresaw an ex- tension of the promenade, which was hailed by project architect Edwin Mintoff as a "major public gain" for people enjoying the views from the new landscaped pjazza, while adding that the only structure visible above ground will be a lift. It turns out that the lift structure as built is now con- siderably larger than that ap- proved by the board. Objectors had also expressed concern on the creation of an intermediate floor under the promenade, which has now been covered by a canopy. The site area affected by the elevator structure on promenade level WITH two votes against one, the Plan- ning Commission has approved a pen- cil development in Triq Fleur de Lys in an area still characterised by two-sto- rey townhouses. Board chairperson Stephania Baldac- chino voted against, while members Anthony Camilleri and Mireille Fsadni voted in favour. The five-storey development pro- posed by Joseph Formosa Gauci was recommended for approval by the case officer, mainly because another similar development had been approved 33m away on the corner with Triq San Pawl. The latter development was approved in 2018 by another board which had a different composition. In the most recent case, the board has been reluctant to approve the devel- opment, with the decision being post- poned twice. Moreover, in a meeting held in Octo- ber 2023 the board had asked for the clearance of the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage (SCH). But no such clearance was ever issued by the SCH which had already objected to the de- velopment. The area is characterised by two-sto- rey townhouses which date back to the early twentieth century. The permit will allow the internal demolition of the existing house, re- taining its façade and adding three overlying floors, one of which will be receded by 3m. The development will host a shop at ground floor level and eight two-bedroom apartments. The extension will be constructed in Mal- tese limestone. An existing parapet wall will be dis- mantled and relocated at a higher level and the shop's entrance will be built in timber to better complement the sur- roundings. The Superintendence had strongly objected to the development insist- ing that the total internal demolition of the existing building as well as the volumes and massing being proposed "would have an unacceptably negative impact on a significant streetscape which is worthy of preservation". The SCH also described the site of the development as "an extremely well-preserved streetscape in a promi- nent road leading to the Urban Conser- vation Area" which is presently charac- terised "by two-storey properties, built in similar style and proportions". The SCH also disagreed with the in- ternal demolition of the townhouse noting that it includes a typical en- trance hall, stone staircase and ceiling borne on timber beams which merit protection due to their cultural value. In his report the case officer over- ruled this objection by noting that the existing façade is being retained, and other similar developments have been approved within the same streetscape. Moreover, the townhouse is outside the Urban Conservation Area and does not enjoy any protection. The local plan allows a building height of three floors and a basement in the area, which translates into 16.3m. The development will result in the shortfall of six parking spaces which