Hotelier Silvio Debono’s plans to build a new beach lido in Bugibba and excavate a tunnel linking to the San Antonio Hotel received the green light from the Planning Authority earlier today.

The application was approved with just one vote against, despite objections by the St Paul's Bay local council over the increase of the built-up area on the perched beach, from 74 to 113 square metres, narrowing the existing public passageway.

The council also objected to the take-up of public land for private development and public inconvenience during the construction phase.

The approved works will consist of the excavation of an underground tunnel, and the demolition of an existing kiosk and sanitary facilities, to make way for the construction of a beach lido linked to the San Antonio Hotel.

The tunnel, which will run underneath Triq it-Trunciera from the hotel pool deck area to the lido, will be accessible to the public.

The planning directorate, which recommended the project for approval, said the intended lido would not extend beyond the existing paved area and would “ameliorate the amenities [of the existing kiosk] for beach users.”

The area of the existing kiosk is 35 square metre, whereas the floor-area of the proposed lido is around 210 square metres larger. 

The lido's roof will serve as an extension to the existing promenade, while the public toilets will be reintroduced.

No objections were raised by the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage, which will monitor the works, or the Environment and Resources Authority, which noted that the area was already committed by approved structures and that the proposed works would not involve land take-up from the sandy beach.

The San Antonio Hotel already held a concession on part of the artificial beach.

During today’s hearing, the project architect said the tunnel would provide safer access between the hotel and the beach concession, avoiding the busy surrounding roads while offering a public gain in the form of public access to the tunnel.

A concerned resident who spoke at the meeting expressed fears that the permit would eventually lead to further private take-up of the beach and the new belvedere on the lido roof, as he said had happened elsewhere in the town.

PA chairman Vince Cassar said the permit should involve a condition guaranteeing that no tables and chairs would be allowed on the new belvedere, which should be maintained by the developer.

The permit was granted against a contribution of €24,465 as compensation for the increase in parking demand. 

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