Policy on high-rise urgently needed

I think that it was most commendable for the Chamber of Architects to host the debate on high-rise blocks (November 22). The question as to whether Malta can cope with the increase in high-rise buildings can simply be answered by the majority of Maltese, who say "no".

It was refreshing that Lora Niclaou from Cyprus called for a policy on the historical skyline. It is so sad that we have managed to blight our skyline in recent years. I wonder if such policy would have allowed projects such as St Angelo Flats, the Portomaso tower and the whole of the Sliema front.

I am all for progress and would encourage investment to our shores but not at the expense of our historical skyline. SmartCity at least is on its own and does not cause any blemish, so why not follow such an example?

Surely a high-rise block facing the sea away from central view is more attractive than one overlooking a cemetery or leaving a shadow on a long stretch of bathing coast line. There is an urgent need of a policy to be put in place, to save our beautiful islands.

The regeneration of old empty properties should become a priority.

There is no excuse to let such historic places of abode, that our culture and history was built on, to be derelict and fast becoming beyond repair. Unfortunately not only Valletta but my adopted home Senglea has a number of such properties in desperate need of some TLC.