The planning authority yesterday rejected two applications for the extension or building of lidos on the Sliema foreshore.

One of the applications was submitted by the owners of the Preluna Hotel, who were seeking to extend their beach club concession on to the adjacent rocky coast.

Another was filed by Michael Stivala, who wanted to build a new lido on the Qui-si-Sana foreshore between the existing Plevna Hotel beach club and The Lido.

Following a discussion, the Mepa board agreed with the planning directorate’s recommendation to refuse both applications, saying the rocky coast needed to be protected for its ecological value and public access around the immediate coastline also needed to be safeguarded.

Welcoming Mepa’s decision, environment NGO Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, which together with the Friends of the Earth and Ramblers had organised a petition against the developments signed by 2,000 people, said that beaches should remain natural and free. The NGO had said that both applications violated the structure plan.

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