Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544415
5 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 15 APRIL 2026 NEWS CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 The project also involves the total demolition of existing tra- ditional buildings fronting Val- ley Road and major excavation works extending deep into the site behind them. The site lies within the Urban Conservation Area along Triq il-Knisja l-Qadima, an histor- ic streetscape characterised by two- and three-storey vernacu- lar buildings and close proxim- ity to St Mary's Church. SCH notes that parts of the property still retain traditional architec- tural features, including internal stone staircases and timber beam structures, and appear on histor- ic mapping dating back over a century. In its assessment, the heritage watchdog argues that while pol- icy does designate the area for an old people's home in principle, this allowance is conditional on development being "moderate in scale" and sensitive to context. It concludes that the current pro- posal significantly exceeds these parameters in terms of footprint, depth and intensity of use. The SCH is particularly crit- ical of the proposed building height and bulk, noting that the five-storey scheme, combined with extensive basement lev- els, would be visually dominant in a streetscape largely defined by low-rise historic buildings. It adds that even with the 2017 policy allowing additional floors for care homes in Urban Conser- vation Areas, the design remains out of scale and incongruous. Further concerns relate to the loss of pre-1968 buildings, which the SCH says would remove im- portant elements of the area's historic character, as well as the impact of new vehicular access and basement excavation on sur- viving traditional fabric. The report concluded that the proposal cannot be supported in its current form and calls for a substantially revised scheme, recommending reduced mass- ing, retention of historic struc- tures, a smaller footprint and the introduction of adequate garden space before any reconsidera- tion. Local plan designates area for residential home The applicants are invoking a specific policy in the Central Malta Local Plan, which desig- nates the site for the develop- ment of an old people's home and a car park. The local plan, approved in 2006, cites Birkirka- ra's ageing population as justifi- cation for the allocation of this plot of land. According to the latest census, 4,512 of Birkirkara's 25,807 in- habitants are over the age of 65. The local plan also notes that the site along Triq il-Knisja l-Qadima is conveniently locat- ed near Birkirkara's commercial and social centres and is close to the main public transport route that passes through Triq il-Wied. Superintendence of Cultural Heritage objects to a five-storey retirement home A man from Ħal Qormi has plead- ed not guilty after he allegedly lured men into his home, assault- ed and robbed them. Nathan Magri, unemployed, 25, faces a series of serious charges, including grievous bodily harm, kidnapping, aggravated robbery, and injuring two police officers, after allegedly luring victims through a dating app for sexual activity and assaulting, extorting and robbing them. The charges stem primarily from an incident in the early hours of 1 January 2026, when police were alerted at around 5:30am that a victim was found in a distressed and traumatised state, while bleeding near the accused's home. An ambulance was called to assist him. After the victim came to his senses, he reported that he had met the accused through the Grindr dating application. Af- ter being invited to the accused's home under the pretext of "having fun," the two engaged in sexual activity, after which the situation allegedly escalated. The victim told police he was held against his will and threat- ened for money. When he refused, the accused allegedly demanded money and then attempted to take his mobile phone. The victim pleaded to be released and man- aged to escape. He reported seeing two other people in the flat during his escape, who were the mother and grandmother of the accused. In light of this, the police con- ducted an investigation, request- ing further details of the accused from the Grindr corporation it- self, which were answered in re- cent weeks. A second alleged victim de- scribed a similar encounter. He also met the accused through the same app and went to the resi- dence, but became suspicious and uncomfortable upon arrival, re- alising the person did not match the profile. When he attempted to leave, he claimed the accused locked the door, slammed his head against a wall, and threat- ened him with a frying pan. The victim had initially been reluctant to report the incident due to per- sonal and religious reasons, but was eventually persuaded by the police to come forward. Fearing further violence and for his life, the second victim told the accused he had €40 in his bank account. He was escorted to an ATM near the church of San Bast- jan in Qormi, withdrew the mon- ey, handed it over, and was then allowed to leave. The victim also provided details of the residence by distinctive fea- tures, including fairy lights and a picture frame bearing the ac- cused's name. The court heard that Magri greatly resisted arrest. When of- ficers attempted to apprehend him as he went to sign his bail book, he allegedly panicked and fled. Police later went to his resi- dence, where his family members refused to open the door. As of- ficers attempted forced entry, he reportedly climbed to the roof, jumped three storeys and escaped. He was eventually arrested later that night after police returned to the residence. Officers had to break down the door and use a taser to subdue him. Moreover, two officers sustained slight in- juries during the arrest. Magri was taken to the hospital and dis- charged earlier today. He faces additional charges of breaching bail conditions and committing offences during a pro- bation period. Magri is also charged with injur- ing a police officer and resisting arrest. The defence did not request bail. Magistrate Monica Vella presid- ed over the sitting. The prosecu- tion was led by Inspector James Mallia, while legal aid lawyer Mar- tina Herrera appeared for the ac- cused. Man remanded in custody after kidnapping, robbing other men through dating app JULIA DOWLING jdowling@mediatoday.com.mt