Nearly 1,000 objectors have stood up to fresh plans to demolish Villa Degiorgio in Sliema, which critics say will have a “devastating” effect on the historic Three Trees junction.
The Superintendence for Culture Heritage (SCH) has also opposed the application, which proposes the complete demolition of the mid-20th-century townhouse to build a five-storey apartment block.
This is the latest in a long string of applications by Philip Degiorgio to develop the property, which lies at the prominent intersection of Dingli Street and High Street, described by objectors as one of Sliema’s “most iconic and picturesque streetscapes”.
After several failed attempts, the developer was granted permission in 2011 to demolish the property, retaining the facade – and add one extra floor, compared to the three proposed now.
This outline permit was granted at appeal stage after being refused by the Planning Authority board, and was later confirmed with a full permit in 2016.
Calls for facade to be retained in its entirety
The new proposal goes further, and has raised the ire of hundreds of objectors who sent their complaints in to the PA ahead of the close of public consultation tomorrow. The application will now be assessed by the Planning Directorate which will issue a recommendation.
The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, which is objecting to the proposal, noted its proximity to several scheduled buildings and protected wartime shelters, and called for the facade to be retained in its entirety.
“The facade of the property has architectural value that would warrant its preservation and integration into any proposed development,” the SCH said.
“The demolition of the facade and the impact on the streetscape are not acceptable interventions.”
The SCH also insisted that any height increase should be “in keeping with the context within the urban conservation area” and in line with planning policy for the area. The local plan states that additional floors should not “detract from the architectural homogeneity” of existing buildings.
The Sliema Heritage Society described the villa’s “impeccably maintained” facade and interior as a “fine piece of mid-century classically-inspired architecture… which although post-war has high aesthetic value”.
“The Three Trees Junction is one of Sliema’s most renowned landmarks and as yet still pristine. Here stand, preserved intact, palatial residences all worthy of a minimum of Grade II scheduling.
“The impact of this project on the urban fabric of the Three Trees would be devastating.”
The heritage group also warned that the proposed apartment block would have a detrimental impact on neighbouring properties and their back gardens, which it said were worthy of Green Enclave scheduling status.
Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar organised and launched the objection platform after preparing the technical framework of the representation. It urged more residents to take action by participating in this effort to oppose the systematic destruction of Malta's heritage.