The extension in Sliema which has sparked controversy. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

A planning investigation is under way to understand how a permit was issued for a room that marred the streetscape of a row of uniform townhouses in Sliema.

The investigation was ordered by Planning Parliamentary Secretary Michael Farrugia last week after a photo of the pristine white room that stands out like a sore thumb started making the rounds on Facebook.

Asked whether the permit will be withdrawn, he said the Government had “various options open to it” depending on what the investigation found. He insisted though there were cases in the past when planning permits were withdrawn.

Speaking of the construction in disparaging terms, Dr Farrugia said he asked for a detailed report on the planning process that led to the room being approved last year.

The internal investigation will not only focus on whether the room was built according to approved plans but will be widened to determine how the decision was made, he added.

“I want to know if policies were respected by the planning board that approved the permit and, if there were expert recommendations against the permit being issued, why these were ignored,” Dr Farrugia said.

I want to know if policies were respected by the planning board that approved the permit

Dr Farrugia said his actions were prompted by an e-mail he received last week that alerted him to the shock expressed on social media at the photo of the room.

He expects to have the report on his desk by Wednesday.

He defended his stand when asked whether his actions could be interpreted as interference in the planning process.

“If NGOs are asking questions, I also have the right to ask questions and investigate what appears to be at face value a questionable permit.”

Dr Farrugia said it was his political responsibility to approve planning policies and he had a duty to ensure these were respected.

The room in Rudolph Street sparked calls for the planning authority to start insisting on photo montages as part of the application process.

The development was approved by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority last year by all four members of the board in defiance of Mepa’s Heritage Advisory Committee’s outright refusal.

Astrid Vella, coordinator for green group Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar, said the Mepa board had argued the room was “visually acceptable since it will not detract from the architectural homogeneity of the building” even though the height limitation in the area was two floors.

The board that approved this extension has remained unchanged since the March election.

FAA will be filing a complaint with the Ombudsman’s Environment Commissioner.

ksansone@timesofmalta.com