17th century armoury is in danger - residents

A group of residents and an environmental organisation have joined forces to protest against a block of apartments which is being built against a 17th century armoury in Qormi.

The residents and Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) also called on the authorities to investigate the planning applications that led to the construction of garages, maisonettes and apartments.

Although several of these applications had been recommended for refusal by Malta Environment and Planning Authority officials, FAA said various amendments to the applications had resulted in the destruction of a historical building dating back to the Knights of St John.

They said that a recent development permit approved the demolition of an extension to the armoury, which houses a police station, and the construction of two apartments and a penthouse.

FAA said that residents were in the dark about the fate of the armoury because a 1.5 metre wall had been constructed, blocking the view from the street.

Although the residents could not list the full extent of the damage caused by the neighbouring block of apartments, Mr Azzopardi said that part of the armoury's spiral staircase, and possibly even the hidden escape route in the basement, had been damaged.

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage had asked Mepa to schedule the armoury in 2005, Mr Azzopardi said. However, the appeal fell on deaf ears.