Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1535109
4 NEWS 4 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 7 MAY 2025 Iniala Hotel's illegally-built rooftop structure set for refusal THE Planning Directorate is recom- mending the refusal of an application by the owners of the Iniala Harbour House Hotel to regularise an already built "re- tractable glazed enclosure". The enclosure is on the property's ter- race overlooking St Barbara bastions. The application submitted three years ago foresaw the sanctioning of the instal- lation of a retractable glazed enclosure on the terrace of the receded floor and the erection of a safety railing. A final decision is expected to be taken by the Planning Commission on 14 May. The canopy structure which is used as a dining area was not part of the original permit issued in 2016 which led to the impeccable restoration of the building. But the case officer has concluded that the proposed development cannot be fa- vourably recommended since it has re- sulted in a negative visual impact on the surrounding area. This is in line with the negative verdict issued by the UNESCO World Heritage Technical Committee (WHTC) in June 2022. The Superintendence of Cultural Her- itage has also objected to the proposed use of the upper roof as a "roof terrace", noting that this will lead to further de- velopment and ancillary fittings at this level, with a consequent impact on the roofscape and general views of Valletta. With regards to the unauthorised glazed enclosure, now proposed for sanctioning, the Superintendence de- scribed it as " completely unacceptable and damaging to the cultural heritage values of Valletta". The case officer assessing the applica- tion concluded that the installation of a glazed structure with retractable canopy is not considered as acceptable in prin- ciple, especially since this had a negative impact on the approved façade design, and the streetscape as a whole. According to the case officer the illegal development is subject to a fine, current- ly set at €2,473. JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt A final decision is expected to be taken by the Planning Commission on 14 May. JULIANA ZAMMIT jzammit@mediatoday.com.mt MEP Peter Agius to lead negotiations on single market rules in the European Parliament MEP Peter Agius has anMEP Peter Agi- us has announced he will be leading the European Parliament's negotiations on single market rules that deal with prod- uct safety, compliance, and the role of national authorities. "I will be pushing for a Europe with less bureaucracy for business and more safety for consumers while opening up oppor- tunities for European businesses, in par- ticular small and family businesses which form the backbone of our economy, also in Malta," said MEP Peter Agius. The European Parliament is set to adopt a resolution later this year on the New Legislative Frameworks. They aim to ensure that goods meet safety and quality standards while also supporting fair competition across member states. Agius will be leading the talks on behalf of the European People's Party (EPP). He stressed that Europe's single market must offer a fair playing field for all, es- pecially when faced with growing global competition, "we must also make sure that our European businesses can com- pete in Europe. This cannot happen un- less we secure a level playing field with competition from China and the rest of the world." "The growth of our business and our continued investment in innovation translate into safer and better products and ultimately better jobs for our work- ers. Let us make sure to harness the full power of the EU's single market." He said. MEP Peter Agius (Photo: EPPgroup)