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

The letter – sent to the President, Prime Minister and Ministers for Culture and Tourism – came just before the PA urged the developer planning to demolish one of the oldest buildings in St Julian’s for a new guesthouse to retain parts of the original facade in the new development.

It also refers to two applications for boutique hotels at two historic scheduled properties, 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 worrying and are textbook definitions of killing the golden goose,” the group said.

“On behalf of our followers we appeal to you to intervene in reversing this madness that will only impoverish our world-renowned heritage portfolio in the name of tourism.”

On behalf of our followers we appeal to you to intervene in reversing this madness that will only impoverish our world-renowned heritage portfolio in the name of tourism

The Planning Commission on Friday deferred a decision on the proposal to demolish the 19th-century house at the corner of Old College Street and St Julian’s Hill to make way for a 10-room guesthouse.

It also requested the architect to present new plans integrating original features including the doorway and an overlying balcony.

Read: Historic Sliema home The Cloisters to become boutique hotel

This comes just a week after the PA gave permission for The Cloisters, a Grade 2 scheduled building in Mrabat Street, St Julian’s, to be converted into a boutique hotel, adding an extra storey and replacing its garden with a seven-storey apartment block. Objectors, again including the local council, said the approval would set a precedent that could dangerously compromise the protection of hundreds of other scheduled properties.

Meanwhile, the PA is considering a similar application at Villino Zammit on Sliema’s High Street which will remove the front and back gardens, including mature trees and a high rubble wall, to accommodate a boutique hotel.

Villino Zammit in Sliema.

The Sliema Heritage Society said that the Villino Zammit proposal would “seriously compromise the pristine streetscape of St Nicholas Street and mutilate the context of this Grade 2 Palladian villa of high architectural and historic significance”.

The group, together with the council and other heritage entities, stated its intention to appeal The Cloisters decision and, should they be approved, the other two applications.