The Malta Environment and Planning Authority has approved a full development permit for a western extension to the Coastline Hotel in Salini, limits of Naxxar, for additional guest rooms with ancillary parking facilities and a multipurpose hall.

The extension will occupy an area within the hotel site boundaries currently committed to a terraced open car park and will be linked with the existing hotel at an angle of 45 degrees in relation to the natural site contours.

The excavation of the existing car park will provide for the development of three basement parking levels with five overlying levels for the guest rooms and a single level multipurpose hall.

The existing height of the hotel will be retained and the floors of the new wing will be recessed to respect the existing terracing effect on the side elevations of the hotel.

It was noted at a hearing that the Salina area was of high landscape and cultural value containing archaeological and architectural heritage assets. Moreover, the coastal zone is a designated area of ecological importance.

Mepa also approved a full development application for the installation of plant/machinery for recycling in a disused quarry at Tal-Robba, outside the development zone of Kirkop.

The plant will receive about 2,000 vehicles that reach their end of life and about 4,000 waste electrical and electronic pieces of equipment per annum.

The plant will accommodate the required de-pollution and treatment facilities prior to the shredding and separation of waste for eventual recycling and recovery of materials.