The Planning Authority will on Friday decide on fresh plans to demolish Villa Degiorgio in Sliema, which have drawn more than 2,000 objections.
The near-unprecedented number of objectors say the proposal will have a “devastating” effect on the landmark Three Trees junction and impact the area’s historic skyline, as well as destroy a rare garden enclave behind the villa.
The application to demolish the mid-20th-century townhouse, retaining part of the facade, and build a five-storey apartment block has been recommended for refusal, with a decision expected from the Planning Commission on Friday.
The case officer noted that the building, which lies at the prominent intersection of Dingli Street and High Street, had “outstanding architectural characteristics” and formed part of a well-preserved row of traditional buildings, with several scheduled properties nearby.
It has outstanding architectural characteristics
The case officer said the proposed building height was “excessive” and that the project would result in a negative impact on the urban area.
While the developer submitted a revised proposal which the case officer said would have a reduced impact, this was not considered sufficient to address the issues surrounding the development.
The application is the latest in a long string of applications by owner Philip Degiorgio to develop the property.
After several failed attempts, the developer was granted permission in 2011 to demolish the property and add one extra floor, while the new application proposes another two receded floors over and above that.
The Superintendence for Cultural Heritage is objecting to the new plans, insisting the facade had architectural value that warranted its preservation, especially in the context of the existing streetscape.
While the latest plans do not foresee total demolition of the façade, the cultural heritage watchdog said it was unclear whether it would be preserved or merely partially replicated and that the plans would nevertheless make considerable changes, including intensification of the approved development.
The NGOs Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar, Din L-Art Ħelwa and the Sliema Heritage Society, as well as the Sliema local council, have also objected to the plans, along with thousands of others. In its objection, Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar raised several planning policy issues and called upon the authority to “prevent the obliteration of one of Sliema’s last remaining green enclaves and the loss of its most iconic and truly picturesque traditional streetscapes”.
Similarly, the Sliema Heritage Society warned that the proposed block would have a detrimental impact on neighbouring properties and their back gardens, which it said were together worthy of Green Enclave scheduling status.