Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar has formally requested MEPA to rescind an outline permit for the internal demolition and reconstruction of a townhouse in Windsor Terrace, Sliema, including the addition of further floors.

"This handsome two-storey traditional Victorian townhouse is situated in an unbroken row of seven identical two-storey buildings, having the same style and design, and forming an integral streetscape which should not be interrupted. There are no adjacent buildings which are higher and if built, the additional floors and penthouse, would only result in undesirable blank party walls, triggering obvious adverse visual impacts and indelibly disrupting the streetscape, which is relatively unspoilt," the environment NGO said.

MEPA's Heritage Advisory Committee had recommended against the granting of the permit, as had the MEPA Directorate and the Development Control Commission,but the outline permit was then granted by the DCC during the reconsideration stage.

"The project runs counter to all norms of urban conservation, and FAA maintains that the DCC Reconsideration ruling is highly irregular," the FAA argued.

"This is the sort of permit which will cause MEPA to be blamed by future generations for the ruination of beautiful and characteristic parts of the Malta's village cores," it said.

The full development application on this site is to be considered next week.