The planning board turned down an application to build a residential complex at Villa Bonici, in Sliema because no development brief for the area exists.

The application to develop the large property in Triq il-Kurunell Savona had been recommended for refusal because a development brief was deemed crucial.

Filed in 2008, the application was for the demolition of the existing structures and the construction of a residential complex spread over four blocks around a landscaped area. The height of the blocks varied between two and 12 floors.

The site has a footprint of 11,576 square metres and the applicant requested to build 188 apartments.

Planning officers yesterday explained to the board that the local plan imposed a development brief for the area for a comprehensive redevelopment of the whole site while protecting the historical context of Villa Bonici and its gardens. It also had to provide additional parking for the area.

Architect Edwin Mintoff said his clients had several meetings with the Forward Planning Unit to reach a solution.

Clients have no objection to drawing up the development brief themselves

He pointed out that his clients had no objection to drawing up the development brief themselves, as was allowed by the law, but they needed guidance from the planning authority.

Sliema councillor Michael Briguglio said the development brief had to be drawn up properly together with a public consultation and the full involvement of the council.

Villa Bonici was built in the late 19th century as a country residence by Emmanuele Testaferrata-Bonici-Għaxaq, the sixth Marchese di San Vincenzo Ferreri and fifth Baron of Qlejgħa. Over time, the gardens were extended, incorporating existing terraced fields.

It remained a family residence until World War II when the building was damaged. After repairs were carried out, parts of the gardens were leased for entertainment purposes including an open-air cinema.

The villa itself was rented out to the State and used as a government school called St Louis Grammar School. In the 1960s, the lower parts of the gardens were developed into apartment blocks. By the end of the 1980s, the property was abandoned.