The development being proposed.The development being proposed.

A controversial development application that incorporates Sliema’s old naval clinic was unanimously approved by the planning authority today despite strong objections from residents and the local council.

The design, however, remains a reserved matter.

The approved project will include the retention and restoration of an existing Grade 2 scheduled façade, known as the ‘clinic’, incorporated within a mixed use development of offices, retail outlets, apartments and underlying garages.

The existing triangular open space area in front of the ‘clinic’ facade will be upgraded into a public garden and will include a kiosk.

The application dates back to 2004 but Mepa’s case officer recommended approval following the latest plans submitted.

Mepa’s cultural heritage committee found the development proposal “objectionable from the aesthetics point of view”. It also called for the air raid shelter to be protected. However, the Heritage Superintendence did not object to the proposal despite affirming it would result in the loss of the shelter, which it called a “subterranean rock-cut corridor”.

It recommended the mapping and recording of this feature “as a mitigation measure”.

This advice carries more weight in the decision to be taken than Mepa’s cultural heritage committee. The shelter is one of about 100 known to exist in Sliema and objectors say a permit could set a very dangerous precedent.

The permit application, submitted by Mark Gasan of Gasan Group, is for the construction of an apartment block with commercial outlets, a public garden and two levels of basement garages underground.

The site, on Tower Road at Għar il- Lembi Street, includes within its footprint the surviving facade of the old naval clinic as well as the pillars that flanked the gateway to the grounds of the building.

The naval clinic is a military hospital dating back to the 19th century, with a Grade 2 protected facade. The developer is proposing to retain and restore the facade and incorporate it within the modern building.

In 2003 Mepa refused an application to build a basement car park on four levels and shops to replace the naval clinic. The authority had said its demolition was “unacceptable”.

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