The planning authority yesterday sealed the fate of three 400-year-old townhouses in the Naxxar village core that will be demolished despite calls for their preservation.
The proposed contentious development sparked outrage with residents and heritage lobby groups insisting it would destroy part of the area’s identity.
The Malta Environment and Planning Authority gave the green light for the demolition at a board hearing last month pending a number of modifications. In fact, the board met yesterday to discuss the design alterations and the removal of two basements from the revised plans. Once satisfied, it gave its formal go ahead for the demolition.
Notwithstanding the public outcry, the majority of the board members yesterday voted in favour of the development. The representatives of the two big political parties opted not to cast their vote and the environmental NGOs delegate, Alex Vella, voted against.
Mepa later defended its decision with an unusual post on its Facebook page in which it asked people to judge for themselves “(If) what has been approved not (sic) better than what there is existing today?”.
The three properties are believed to date from 1640
The post triggered a strong reaction by the public, including architectural groups that questioned the use of the word “better” and insisting that the regulator should not be defending any projects.
Resident and Naxxar business owner Ray Vella campaigned vociferously against the project at the crowded hearing.
He claimed the demolition would threaten the structural integrity of his business, which was located between two of the properties earmarked for development.
He asked the watchdog to consider a report drafted by heritage expert Edward Said.
The report, he said, contrasted sharply with one submitted by the project applicant, Carmel Bonanno, which claimed that the buildings held no historic or aesthetic significance and advocated demolition.
The three properties are believed to date from 1640, roughly the same time the parish church was built.
The board declined to accept Mr Said’s report insisting it was too late for the submission of new documents.
It also overruled the Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee’s suggestion to preserve the old buildings.
Former CHAC chairman Michael Ellul lambasted the decision, describing the properties as being on “the cultural extinction list” and in dire need of preservation.
“We cannot continue to throw away our heritage for property speculation,” Mr Vella said.
Work on the project is expected to begin this year.