Developers planning to demolish one of the oldest buildings in St Julian’s for a new guesthouse have been asked to retain parts of the original facade in the new development.

The 19th century house, located at the corner of Old College Street and St Julian’s Hill (known as It-Telgħa tal-Kirxa), was proposed to be completely demolished to make way for a 10-room guesthouse, including an additional floor.

The Planning Commission on Friday deferred a decision on the proposal and requested the architect to present new plans integrating original features including the doorway and an overlying balcony.

The case will now be heard on March 23.

The application has drawn objections from several heritage groups and the Sliema local council, citing the historical value of the building and its surroundings.

Still considered as one of the most picturesque corners in the area

The Sliema Heritage Society, which re-commended the changes to the plans, described the area as “one of the oldest and still best preserved fragments of mid to late 19th century urban fabric in Sliema-St Julians”.

“[It-Telgħa tal-Kirxa] was the subject of various photographers and artists and is still considered as one of the most picturesque corners in the area,” the group said.

“This house can be easily rehabilitated and restored like thousands of others which your authorities have insisted upon.”

Din L-Art Ħelwa called for the application to be refused and the building preserved, while the local council raised concerns over the proposed height, noting that it would have a ripple effect on similar proposals in the same street.

Despite the objections, the directorate concluded that the proposal was in line with planning policy which allows for guesthouses in the designated area as long as they are compatible with the surrounding Urban Conservation Area.

The Sliema Heritage Society appealed to the authorities to intervene and “save Maltese architectural heritage which will be eradicated in the name of tourism”.

In a letter to the President, the Prime Minister and the ministers for tourism and culture, the group also referred to two other applications for boutique hotels at scheduled properties in Sliema, one approved and one still under consideration, which will both entail the demolition of extensive gardens.

“That such crass demolition or mutilation of beautiful properties – and possibly others in the near future – should happen in the name of tourism is extremely worry-ing and are textbook definitions of killing the golden goose,” the group said.