Saturday, 15th November 2008

Lija couple sue over demolished villa near Belvedere

The owners of a ground floor maisonette in Lija are holding developers of the controversial project neighbouring the town's iconic Belvedere liable for the damages they had suffered as a result of demolition works.

The development, a block of eight flats and penthouse on four floors, complete with underlying garages, located not more than 20 metres away from the Belvedere, had been approved in September last year to the dismay of residents and the local council.

The controversy had even pulled in Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera who had been given power of attorney by the developers to inquire about why a warden had stopped works on the site last September.

Shortly after that incident, Mepa reversed the decision it had taken last year, after the villa - which the block was meant to have replaced - was demolished. Mepa revoked the permit against warnings that the developers would be seeking compensation.

Yesterday, however, it was the developers' turn to face damage claims by the neighbours, John and Carmen Cuschieri, who said the couple behind the project, Carmelo Galea and his wife Rita, carried out works on site that damaged their property.

As a result, the overlying property to the Cuschieris' had no ceiling, and Mr and Mrs Cuschieri told the court that they were suffering water seepage every time it rained.

Before the works started, the Cuschieris had asked an architect to examine their home and he had concluded that the maisonette was in a very good state. But now, as a result of the works which were stalled after an enforcement notice, the property's roof was being damaged.

Lawyer Antoine Naudi signed the protest.

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Article © Allied Newspapers Ltd., printed on Sunday, November 22, 2009. This article is for personal use only, and should not be distributed.

Comments

carmelo briffa (on 16/11/08)

Many of us are living in grief because of the way thta MEPA had allowed building permits. I have a garage of six cars and it is empty because of the way the building is done. A mossonet in the same building the balcony is less then 5feet 11 inches from the footpath. The legal code call of not less the 2 meters which is 79inches but this balcony is 71 inches from the surface of the footpath. Water drain from the roof into the govt. drainage system instead to the streets as it called by the building code. Drainage from rain water from the roof of the balcony into private property is this right?. We will soon see what the court will say whether it is the builder's fault or the MEPA 's fault or most likely it is my fault because I bought it...Come every one is welcome to look at to Springfield Court, Qwra Rd. Qawra..come ans ee the mess of this building with drainpipes on the outside surface of what they call a five star building?. It is shame to the builders and the MEPA alike.

S Abela (on 15/11/08)

I sympathise with this couple since last winter we passed through a similar situation - open roof due to building and water seeping in everywhere!! Contractors are making a lot of people suffer!!!! Thank you MEPA for all the unfair permits!! I wish you luck at the courts..we had no luck there either!! Whatever the result nobody can take away the pain of the inconvenience all winter!!!