The garage in Swatar (below the lilac balcony), which was illegally used as a meditation centre. Photo: Matthew Xuereb

Planning authority enforcement officers have ordered the tenants of a terraced house in Swatar to stop using their garage as a meditation centre, Times of Malta has learnt.

Residents said the tenants had turned their garage into a meditation centre and even affixed a sign to the façade. It attracts many foreigners, mostly Chinese, especially on Sundays.

A spokesman for the Malta Environment and Planning Authority said it had investigated complaints and carried out a surprise visit at the residence in Indrì Grima Street.

“We carried out a site inspection and found... that the garage area has been found to be furnished in such a manner that it cannot function as a garage,” the spokesman said when contacted.

The enforcement officers ordered the removal of the sign and also ordered the tenants not to use the garage area unless a change of use is covered by the necessary planning permits.

The house was rented out by foreign nationals from its owners who live in the United Kingdom. The owners were informed of the inspections.

The garage area has been found to be furnished in such a manner that it cannot function as a garage

Sources said the planning authority was acting on a complaint filed by residents who told Times of Malta that, although they accepted that people were free to practise different religions, they had to follow the laws and apply for a change of use of the garage.

They also complained that the parking problem in the street and the surrounding areas was greater on Sundays in view of the number of people attending the meditation centre.