What are the disadvantages when a terraced house makes way for a block of apartments, besides reducing sunlight and sometimes even country or sea views, to surrounding buildings? Sliema and most other places in Malta are having to put up with the demolishing of the traditional Maltese townhouse to make way for blocks of apartments. What a pity seeing nice stonework replaced by plain brick and concrete structures.
Once an old or not so old house has been left vacant for many years by its owners and it becomes dilapidated, it’s heartening news for neighbours to hear that the property has been sold. The bad news is when they get to know that it has been purchased by a developer with one intention in mind.
No one likes to experience the continuation of construction work in their street, especially when after a house has been knocked down, developed and completed, another one goes through the same fate.
The first headache that neighbours have to face when a house is sold to be demolished is the danger that might occur while it’s being pulled down, as there were instances when part of a neighbouring house caved in, resulting in fatal consequences.
Drilling for the basement garages is the worst part. Neighbours even report seeing their chandeliers swinging while the machinery is being used, besides cracks appearing in the walls and other inconveniences.
Big houses aren’t practical these days, as besides needing too much maintenance, the temptation is always there to sell for a hefty profit to developers, especially if the house is in an area where four or more floors may be built.
The other day a developer came to enquire about my neighbour’s house, as the owners have passed away and the house (a huge property lying in the corner of the street) is up for grabs. He gave me his business card and asked me if by chance I would be interested in selling him my house too, so he would be able to knock both of them down together.
Around 30 years ago developers were buying corner plots to build three or more garages and a maisonette or two on top; however, the trend now is to demolish and raise. It seems the developers have a bright future considering the amount of vacant dwellings in every town and village.
Everyone is entitled to make a buck, the problem is that while the developers do so, we the neighbours have to endure the noise, dust and all that goes on until the buildings are ready.
I wonder if the Planning Authority will ever come up with a law which will spare a couple of streets in every locality from all this over-development. Before issuing developers their permit to sow hell, the Planning Authority should be more considerate towards residents.