Works on a new private hospital on the outskirts of Żejtun, which will replace an existing facility in Żabbar, can finally get started, following the planning authority’s unanimous decision to issue the development permit.

The application was submitted on behalf of St James Hospital whose existing facilities are no longer adequate to cater for demand. Located outside the development boundaries, some 120 metres south of the Bulebel industrial estate, the new hospital will incorporate 61 bedrooms, both single and double.

It will also have 100 medical rooms, an auditorium, a canteen, a children’s play area, offices and a parking facilities.

The project has been in the offing for years and was granted the outline permit in 2002, but the discovery of a large cluster of tombs and other archaeological features halted the works.

Subsequently the applicant submitted fresh plans for an adjacent site in order to safeguard these remains.

The revised design was endorsed by the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage.

Once operational, some 156 full-time and 33 part-time employees will be working at the hospital.

One of the conditions imposed by the authority, was to close down the Żabbar hospital within a year from the opening of the new facility.

Meanwhile the planning authority board also approved an application for the construction of a new girls’ secondary school adjacent to the St Benedict College in Kirkop.

The proposed development will incorporate new sports facilities. It is located adjacent to the existing boys’ secondary school and the regional sports complex.