Archbishop Charles Scicluna has asked the Church Environment Commission to look into reports that the Augustinian Order has leased land in Paceville for a 12-storey extension of Bay Street.

The Archbishop's decision was revealed by Arnold Cassola, former leader of Alternattiva, who on Facebook had protested about the move. 

Prof Cassola said that Kevin Papagiorcopulo, the Curia's PRO, had written to him saying that on learning about the project in Paceville, the Archbishop asked the Church Environment Commission to look into the facts related to this proposed development by Bay Street Holdings on land owned by the Augustinian Order.

"On its part, after due investigation, the Church Environment Commission will voice any concerns it may have in a clear, analytical and unequivocal manner, according to the principles it has always advocated, in the best interest of the common good," Mr Papagiorcopulo wrote.

Malta Today had reported that land owned by the Augustinian friars inside the St Julian's residential buffer zone was to be rented out for hotel expansion to Bay Street Holdings.

The land, currently being used as a makeshift car park, is to make way for a 12-storey four-star accommodation building and office complex.

"The Church is supposed to lead people towards heaven ..... and not make life hell for residents, hux?," Prof Cassola had said in his first post.

"Don't you think that the Church should work against this race towards making money, rather than joining it? Don't you think that the Church should strive for residents' better quality of life rather than contributing to destroying it?

In today's post Prof Cassola said he viewed the Archbishop's decision as good news and hope for all beleaguered residents.