The Government has approved a new planning policy framework for the site of the Selmun Palace Hotel, which has been closed for almost four years.

The policy will allow the building of a new wing over the area currently occupied by tennis courts.

The site may also be redeveloped as long as the current height limit is respected and the historic palace is preserved.

The new policy was prepared by Mepa. It provides that the site - of around 2.9 hectares - will continue to be used for tourism.

The policy favourably considers the rehabilitation of the existing hotel buildings and/or their redevelopment so long as the layout shall broadly retain the position and orientation of the existing hotel building. The relocation and consolidation of the outbuildings may be considered, provided they are not worthy of protection and do not adversely affect the setting of the scheduled Grade I Palace.

"The approved policy framework only allows for a complete redesign of the existing layout in the exceptional circumstances where the end product is of such high quality that it merits consideration outside the provisions of this criterion. The other provisions of this policy shall still need to be followed by the design of the scheme for both situations and would need to be supported by a proper visual and landscape assessment," Mepa said.

"While any development proposal shall never exceed the overall height of the existing main hotel building, the policy encourages that the monolithic appearance of the existing building will be broken by the creative use of architectural elements, different colour schemes and materials."

The policy is also obliging any potential investors to restore and rehabilitate the palace and make a one-time, lump sum, monetary contribution, to a fund administered by the Authority aimed at the enhancement of public access and enjoyment of the countryside and for the purpose of other community projects in the locality.

www.mepa.org.mt

 

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