MLP demands inquiry into Sliema townhouses demolition permit
The Labour Party has called for an investigation by the MEPA auditor over how the Development Control Commission decided to allow the demolition of a row of townhouses in Sliema so that they can be replaced by apartments.
Roderick Galdes, the MLP’s spokesman on planning, said this was another blow to the Maltese town character.
“There is no doubt that MEPA is being overcome by strong speculative interests and it is not achieving the necessary balance for sustainable development, even in historic cores which clearly deserve conservation,” Mr Galdes said.
Mr Galdes said there was no doubt that this case merited an investigation by the MEPA auditor over the way procedures were followed and how this site was removed from the Urban Conservation Zone in the final Local Plans for Sliema.
The case was also raised yesterday by Flimkien Ghall-Ambjent Ahjar.
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Amanda Mallia
Jul 25th 2008, 22:53
Simon Alden - "Is it to change Sliema into a Bugibba lookalike?"
Without meaning to be of offence to anyone, just taking a look at the comments posted under the article on this link will show you that unfortunately, yes, that is what many people seem to prefer:
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080724/local/asds
Simon Alden
Jul 25th 2008, 15:49
Personally, I think its an absolute disgrace that MEPA continues to allow the steady demolition of every building of any character in Sliema and other localities. What is MEPA's "vision"?? Is it to change Sliema into a Bugibba lookalike? Because that is where Sliema is heading. This isn't a rhetorical question - what exactly is MEPA's vision for Sliema??? With every block of ugly flats going up instead of an old house we just continue to downgrade our island and are destined to leave our kids with a characterless shambles of a country that will leave them wondering how on earth we stood by and let it happen. Sliema was a great place to live...now it just pays tribute to the failure of government to protect the character and charm of the island from the legion of developers and related industry who are intent on making a quick buck without any respect for the country whatsoever. A case like this symbolises the failure of government so far to carry out a meaningful reform.
DVella
Jul 25th 2008, 13:51
It seems the time has come for this DCC Board to resign in disgrace just like the other one did a few months ago . . . what a farce!
Simon Sullivan
Jul 25th 2008, 12:11
post-it for Dr Gonzi. get involved and do what's blatantly right !
Oscar Cassar
Jul 25th 2008, 11:48
Consecutive Labour mayors in Qormi, including Mr Roderick Galdes himself did nothing to preserve the old traditional bakeries in historic cores of their hometown that clearly deserve conservation, and now he is trying to give us the impression that he and his party is concerned about a row of townhouses in Sliema….
Oscar Cassar
Jul 25th 2008, 11:40
Why all this fuss against the demolition of these townhouses in Sliema when the area is already spoilt from Maltese identity and surrounded by modern construction sites. What is the historical value in preserving these townhouses? The importance in conservation should be given to other areas on the islands particularly the old village cores that day after day are becoming like Sliema. We are losing our identity as a country and then politicians make a press release only when they think that some votes can be gained. If Mr Galdes or MLP has truly at heart historic buildings which clearly deserve conservation, they should start by restoring the ex Raffles in Pembroke (owned by the MLP thanks to Dom Mintoff and his housing policies) that is apparently being left abandoned for strong speculative interests in the future.
R. Camilleri
Jul 25th 2008, 11:22
and other ones bite the dust !!!!!! thank you MEPA for the continious defilement of our home town. I am asking this on the off chance that I get a reply... are any of the MEPA bigwigs residents of Sliema?????? wishful thinking that I will get an answer to that question..... Please, please leave Sliema alone...