Change of villa use opposed

Neighbours of a Ta' Xbiex villa which previously was the premises of the French Embassy yesterday went to court to try and stop it being turned into an insurance office.

Joseph and Joan Savona filed an application for the warrant of a prohibitory injunction against United Insurance Brokers Limited and Joseph F. Depares.

They are calling on the court to stop respondents from making use of Villa Seminia in Sir Temi Zammit Avenue, Ta' Xbiex as commercial premises.

The Savonas are also requesting the court to prohibit respondents from making any other commercial use of the premises as it was not in possession of Malta Environment and Planning Authority permits, nor did it have a trading licence.

The Savonas explained that up to three years ago, Villa Seminia was used as an office for the French Embassy, and as such enjoyed diplomatic immunity. When it was utilised by the embassy, no MEPA permits were required.

However, it resulted that the place was now to be utilised as office for an insurance company, and a trading licence was therefore required.

Furthermore, according to applicants, the villa was situated in a zone indicated for the sole use of embassies, and not offices.

But respondents submitted that the Savonas had not proven they had a legal interest in the proceedings.

They also argued that the courts did not have the authority to substitute a decision taken by MEPA.

In fact, the authority had ruled that no trading licence was required.

The case was put off for a ruling in chambers after Mr Justice Joseph Azzopardi heard submissions on the merits.