Residents in a quiet neighbourhood in Ibraġġ are objecting to an application to turn the former Halland Hotel into high-quality apartments, the Times of Malta has learnt.
However, according to the Planning Authority website, so far no formal objections from residents have been filed.
With representations closing on March 23, the only objections registered so far are from Enemalta, which wants the architects to include an electricity substation in their plans, and the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability, which objects to a number of areas that are inaccessible to people with disabilities.
The applicant, Raymond Fenech, on behalf of Halland Developments Company Limited, is proposing to demolish the existing hotel, excavate the rock to accommodate parking, replace the hotel with a high-quality residential complex and landscape the adjoining land.
The proposed development is meant to cover almost 7,700 square metres
The application was submitted in October 2015 and has gone all the way through the process, with the submission of existing and proposed detailed plans as well as photos and photomontages.
The proposed development is meant to cover almost 7,700 square metres. It will consist of a basement, ground floor and an additional six storeys.
The Environment and Resources Authority is not objecting to the project, noting that the site is located within a development zone. It said the site redevelopment was considered as “acceptable in principle from an environmental point of view”.
The ERA noted that there appeared to be more trees on site than those indicated on plans.
“Given the sensitivity of the site, a method statement indicating both preventative and mitigation measures to be undertaken during the excavation and construction phases of the project is being requested,” the ERA said.
The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability objected to the proposed entrance, as it includes steps. It also complained that there seemed to be no accessible shower in the proposed gymnasium and that there was no indication on the plans which residential units would be fully accessible.
Enemalta Corporation are asking the developer to contact its experts over the inclusion of a substation within the proposed new premises.