Sliema residents object to planned development

Residents in Dingli Street, Sliema, are protesting against the proposed development of flats and commercial property in the narrowest part of the street.

The proposed building would be higher and deeper than the current block and wipe out the gardens that exist at the moment.

In a letter to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority's director of planning, the residents said that the then Planning Authority had stated in November 2004 that the proposed development ignored depth and height restrictions. While other town houses along this part of Dingli Street are 21 metres deep - the remainder being gardens or open spaces - the proposed development would be 35 metres. Residents also argue that it will obstruct natural sunlight.

The residents said they had no objection to "controlled" progress but emphasised that the project should only proceed if it complied with the height and depth of neighbouring buildings.

They also criticised the lack of consideration given to parking requirements, especially since the ground floor would be used for commercial purposes.