Proposed band club in Sliema: A closed case?

Recently the Development Control Commission of Mepa unanimously turned down a proposed band club in the heart of Sliema on the grounds that it would have a damaging effect on the neighbourhood. Applicants had wanted to turn a corner house between Depiro Street and Isouard Street into its headquarters, proposing to operate a bar selling food, confectionary, beverages, soft drinks, alcohol and cigarettes.

A very large majority of the residents in this area signed a petition against the proposed club. The DCC rightly referred to the parking problems that would be created as a result of an accessibility issue besides the excessive noise. The Commission also stated that the functions of a band club, which included turning the former residence into a bar, were incompatible with the residential zone, which is how the area is defined in the latest local plan.

The proposed band club would have been located in the immediate proximity of the Guzè Bonnici Primary School, Sliema Boys' Junior Lyceum, St Dorothy's Girls' School and Sliema Scout Group Centre with the potential risks to our youngsters that cannot be underestimated.

The residents of this quiet neighbourhood are all too aware of the inconveniences suffered by other residents living close to the parish centre of St Gregory's church as testified in a letter which appeared in The Times of November 17, 2006. The correspondents rightly complained of the loud music which goes on well beyond midnight whenever members of the musical society organise barbecues and discos at the parish centre. And yet, as the correspondents stated, no action was taken by the parish priest, the local council and the police.

While the DCC's ruling was welcomed by all those who had opposed it, I don't believe it goes far enough to reassure the residents that no band club will ever be allowed to disturb the peace in this neighbourhood. After all, there have been cases of proposed band clubs having their applications turned down only to be given the green light at a later stage after resorting to some sort of legal contrivance.

I believe I am voicing the general feeling among my fellow residents by stating that any revised proposals for a band club in this area will be vehemently opposed by all those who have at heart the social harmony of our neighbourhood. A band club situated in this area would pander only to the desire of a handful of aficionados who are pushing for its approval while ignoring the far more legitimate interests of the many more who have long been living in the area and who are united against the project as well as the well-being of youngsters attending the aforementioned educational institutions. I would like to remind all those concerned that, when decisions such as this are taken, the interests of the community should always prevail over those of individuals.

I sincerely hope that reason and common sense will guide Mepa's deliberation on any eventual fresh application or reconsideration of the original application.

Residents and parents need to be reassured that a band club in the heart of this neighbourhood will not be their latest nuisance and worry.