Visible wiring for the new illumination system at Auberge de Castille, which has come in for heavy criticism over damage caused to the facade. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

The law was blatantly ignored by the planning authority and the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage when the new lighting system was installed at the Auberge de Castile, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, FAA, said yesterday.

“Those responsible for protecting our nation’s heritage hurriedly approved this highly sensitive project in 24 hours, instead of scrutinising it properly to ensure correct practice,” the NGO said in a statement.

Auberge de Castille should have been protected under Structure Plan Grade One status, the FAA said, and for this reason “demolition or alterations which impair the setting or change the external or internal appearance” should not have been allowed.

Parts of the facade were damaged when 5cm-wide holes were drilled directly through the stone to make way for the wiring for the new illumination system. Wires were also affixed with clips and are clearly visible to whoever walks in front of Castille.

The NGO said the Heritage Act emphasised the need to promote cultural heritage as an intrinsic part of humankind’s environment. Both Mepa and the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage had violated this Act, it said.

Who will watch the watchman if the watchman has betrayed the cause? Will these two, as the competent authorities, fine themselves?

“Who will watch the watchman if the watchman has betrayed the cause? Will these two, as the competent authorities, fine themselves?” FAA said.

Meanwhile, the Opposition said Mepa CEO Johann Buttigieg’s comment, that the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage should be held responsible for the damage to Castille’s façade, was simply an attempt to exonerate himself from all responsibility.

In a statement, the Opposition’s spokesman on the environment Ryan Callus said it was Mepa that had chosen how the lighting system should be installed.

The planning authority had opted for a Development Notification Order which did not offer a profound and detailed study of the impact of the works and could not ensure that the necessary precautions required to protect a grade one scheduled building were in place, he said.

Mr Callus added that Mepa should shoulder responsibility and not blame the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.

The Nationalist Party wanted answers as to why Mepa had opted for a DNO.

Had there been any political pressure exerted, he asked.

He also called on the contractor who carried out the works to provide an explanation.