The owner of the Preluna Hotel in Sliema has allayed fears that a planned extension of the hotel’s lido on to the adjacent rocky beach would deny public access to the foreshore of the popular spot below the Fortizza.

An application submitted to the planning authority includes the paving of an existing concrete stretch with natural stone, the construction of a new reversible concrete platform adjacent to it and the embellishment of an existing concrete wall with natural rocks.

Concern that the proposed development could limit public access to the beach was raised soon after a planning authority notice was affixed onsite.

Contacted by Times of Malta, Preluna Hotel owner Joseph Preca said that the proposed extension of the lido would not stretch to the foreshore. An 11-metre perimeter along the foreshore would remain accessible to the public.

Mr Preca said the plan was to use part of an existing ditch, intended to protect the fortification from rough seas, and level the ground to be able to use the area for the hiring of umbrellas and deckchairs.

Meanwhile no pronouncement has been made so far by the local council which has the right to object to such a development.

Sliema mayor Anthony Chircop said an evaluation of the proposed beach concession was being carried out by the council’s architect so it was still premature for a comment about the impact which the project could have on the surroundings.