Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/943656
maltatoday SUNDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2018 News 5 JAMES DEBONO THE Sliema local council is op- posing three new floors over and above an extra storey approved in 2016 on Villa Degiorgio, which would be demolished in its entirety if the application is ap- proved. The site lies in a very prominent intersection between High Street and Dingli Street known as Tliet Sigriet – which is considered as the hub of Sliema's old village core and still consists of a stretch of two floor townhouses. In its objection the council not- ed that several similar applica- tions earmarking the demolition of the villa were refused. The building will be recon- structed in a similar architectural style but will visually dominate the area. Two applications had been re- fused while another application was only approved by the PA's review tribunal after being sub- stantially scaled down and lim- ited to the building depth of the existing building. The PA had consistently opposed the demoli- tion of the building. "Considering that this applica- tion is identical to other appli- cations which were refused, this application should not even be considered by the Planning Au- thority". The council is also claiming that the proposal is in breach of design regulations approved in 2015, which stipulate that that proposed buildings are to comply with the existing committed pre- vailing height. An objection presented by a Sliema resident warns that the addition of four new storeys on the building will protrude fur- ther in the villas's garden, thus over ruling the Review Tribunal's decision to protect the green en- clave behind the building. The resident also warned that pedes- trians coming from Saint Mary and Rudolph Streets will be met by a massive stand alone struc- ture that will dominate the pic- turesque piazza. Sliema council objects to demolition of Villa Degiorgio An iconic building at the heart of Sliema: Villa Degiorgio is at the intersection of Dingli Street and High Street CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Fearne has the advantage of be- ing in Cabinet with a direct link to fellow ministers and the Gov- ernment's work programme. The health minister is also renowned as a good campaigner, having eclipsed veteran Helena Dalli and Edward Scicluna in the deputy leadership race. But Fearne could also be saddled with the problems of an adminis- tration in its second term, not least having to deal with the fallout of Konrad Mizzi's hospitals privatisa- tion deal. On the other hand, Miriam Dalli enjoys the support of many in the Muscat camp but has so far remained impassive on what she intends to do. Dalli's latest appointment to lead the European Parliament's legis- lative effort on vehicle emission standards signals her growing stat- ure in Brussels. But party insiders said the MEP would have to engage more with the domestic political scene to counter Fearne's presence on the ground. The dark horse in the race could be Ian Borg. But the young highfly- er may very well wait and see what Dalli will do before embarking on a campaign strategy. What remains to be seen is the timing of Muscat's departure. While some are speculating that he may choose to leave as early as next summer to allow the new leader time to gear up for next year's Eu- ropean Parliament election, party insiders have dismissed this pos- sibility. "It is very likely Joseph Muscat will lead the PL in next year's elec- toral appointment and quit soon afterwards," the sources said. If that is the case, Dalli may ben- efit from the national platform the EP election will give her. A suc- cessful re-election as MEP will only help to boost her standing, especially in the face of a leader- ship contest that will eventually be decided by the party members and not just by delegates. ksansone@mediatoday.com.mt Muscat's succession race now open Miriam Dalli and Chris Fearne: possible contenders