A dilapidated aparthotel in Buskett was yesterday given a redevelopment permit on condition it will never be turned into private residences.

The issue was the main bone of contention throughout a Malta Environment and Planning Authority board meeting at the end of which an outline development permit was granted.

Mepa’s case officer had suggested laying down a condition that, once the family-owned aparthotel ceased to operate, it would be demolished. The developer’s architect objected and the proposal was eventually replaced by a condition that the structure would only be used for tourism-related purposes.

The applicant, Peter Borg, also objected when the Environmental Protection Directorate wanted to remove the term “multi-ownership” from the development description, arguing this clause would give him the option of selling rooms under timeshare agreements in view of the “fickle and volatile” tourism industry.

It was eventually agreed he would bind himself to manage the hotel as a single owner without subdividing any parts of it.

The aparthotel, in the area known as Ta’ Sabbat limits of Buskett, was constructed in the 1970s and the plans to redevelop it have been in the pipeline for at least five years after a 1997 application was withdrawn.

The case officer told the Mepa board there would be no significant impacts on two protected nature sites close by.

The board imposed a number of conditions restricting height and overall volume. The present footprint of 1,800 square metres will go down to 1,614 square metres once redeveloped.

The applicant’s architect, Stephen Farrugia, said the aparthotel would have three floors instead of the present two but the height would only increase by about one course. The developer is proposing 15 guestrooms on ground floor level, 23 on the first floor and 20 on the second floor, with a total of 116 beds.

The plans also include an underground car park for 22 cars at basement level along with a spa, gym and indoor pool.