The scheduling of parts of Villa Bonici in Sliema as grade 2 property was welcomed by the Sliema Residents Association and environment NGO Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, which have been lobbying for its protection.

FAA also welcomed the scheduling by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority’s heritage unit of 16 historic sites, confirming the increased importance the authorities were giving to the protection of heritage.

Describing the move as the first important step in improving the Sliema urban environment, the SRA noted the whole of Villa Bonici estate should have been scheduled to reduce further development in an already unsustainable town and to retain Sliema’s last major green lung.

It was a pity the lower half of the garden was not considered for scheduling, given its unique features that also deserved protection, it said.

Apartments, built on the site of a large part of the lower garden and perimeter wall in the 1950s were also up for redevelopment to “entirely close off all Sliema within an 11-floor bastion-like structure”.

The association has been asking for the revision of building heights around this sensitive area and its proposals include a long promised home for the elderly.

“The scheduling of Villa Bonici is a significant victory for Sliema’s already depleted heritage,” FAA said, adding the villa’s garden should be purchased by the authorities for public use, restored and opened as a park.

The recent list of scheduled properties includes archaeological sites in Rabat, Żurrieq, Mellieħa and Kerċem while buildings include Villa Madama in Balzan, the Rialto Cinema in Cospicua and an underground flour mill at San Ġwann.

FAA pointed out that Mepa had the legal power to order owners of scheduled properties to carry out basic maintenance where it was lacking. Failing this, it could step in, carry out the works and bill the owners. However, due to its present budgetary constraints, it is almost impossible for it to fund the money for this, the NGO said.