The Qormi armoury saga and Mepa

I refer to the article (July 2) on the Qormi armoury, which cast doubts on the stand taken by myself and Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar. I am, therefore, resubmitting the details of this particular site in a simplified manner since it is understandably not easy to grasp the convolutions and implications of the various applications which were submitted in respect of sites close to the armoury. My comments are based on direct quotations from the Mepa files, which were also copied to the journalists present at our press conference.

PA 02397/07 is in respect of the building adjacent to the armoury, which is believed to have formed part of the armoury complex and used for the training of the Qormi militia.

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH) had stated in its report that: "It is not clear if the building is directly associated with the armoury but it certainly has bearing on the context of the armoury". This connection can be confirmed by the arched blocked doorway on the common wall.

The full extent of the devastation to the property can be assessed from the photograph and could only be seen once the exterior wall was demolished. It includes the demolition of arches, a stone spiral staircase and the removal of a coat of arms above the remaining room at the rear visibly filled in and plastered over recently.

Two applications were submitted on May 31, 2004, PA 03263/04 and PA 03261/04; both were recommended for refusal by the SHC, which submitted reports in respect of both stating that "proposed developments which contemplate the demolition of this property should not be granted". The Mepa recommendation was also to refuse permission.

The SHC report also stated that "the property (not only the remaining room at the rear) is a large house built around a courtyard, accessed through a high-arched way. It has high-arched ceilings on the ground floor. The upper floor is accessed via a stone spiral staircase (garigor) and the rooms on the upper floor are roofed by stone slabs (xorok) and wooden beams. The property is marked by distinguished architecture and bears distinctive features. The style and building techniques indicate that much of the structure may date back to the late 16th or early 17th century. The property in question has a high level of cultural heritage significance and is exactly adjacent to the 18th century armoury".

Irrespective of the recommendations of both the SCH and the Mepa Integrated Heritage Management Unit that the complex be preserved in its entirety, the outline development PA 03261/04 was granted a permit.

In view of the preceding outline development permit PA 03848/04 was also granted a permit. And subsequently in respect of PA 02397/07 the only consultations held by Mepa was with its own Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee which following a site visit found no objection to granting a full development permit to 'to demolish part of the existing building, to construct basement parking, terraced house, two apartments and penthouse and class 4 shop' provided that the hall at the rear is retained against a bank guarantee of the risible amount of €1,836.50.