The Planning Authority has given the green light for the development of a new eight-storey hotel, including underground parking, in place of three existing houses in Paceville.

The 84-room, three-star hotel, which will also include a rooftop swimming pool and deck area, will be built in Schreiber Street in the heart of Paceville, an area already characterised by a number of similar developments.

Although the designated building height for the area is of four floors, the application, by Charles Mangion, benefited from the Height Limitation Adjustment Policy which allows for an additional two floors on three-star hotels, and more when the resultant product is of high quality design in keeping with the urban context.

The proposed height of the new hotel will be comparable to that of the Alexandra Palace Hotel

The proposed height of the new hotel will be comparable to that of the Alexandra Palace Hotel, which lies across the road, while other existing hotels in the area are also likely to apply for the two additional floors permitted by the policy.

Din l-Art Ħelwa had objected to the height of the development and urged the PA to limit it to the six floors allowed by the policy, arguing that it would create a large blank wall, which is specifically prohibited by the policy.

But, the case officer, who recommended approval, noted that the design of the party walls was considered acceptable in terms of materials and design.

The design is aimed to be perceived as a continuation from the street façade, which was seen as mitigating any possible visual impact of blank walls resulting from the extra height. The proposed elevation design was also deemed compatible with the existing development, context and surrounding urban fabric, creating a continuation with the existing situation by using similar architectural features and similar proportions along the whole length of the façade.