An application has been filed for the development of a five-storey guest house overlooking Spinola Bay.

The proposal in Triq Wied Għomor was submitted to the authorities in July. The applicant, Joseph Casha, is proposing to demolish the existing first and second floor on top of Ryan’s Pub and instead construct a guest house from first to fifth floor, having a total of 14 rooms.

The application, filed with the Planning Authority, has so far only attracted one thumbs-down reaction apart from residents – from the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD). It complained that the entrance to the hotel is composed of a staircase and is therefore not accessible to everyone.

“The entrance contains a flight of steps thus it is not accessible for all. An accessible entrance should be provided,” the commission said.

The Malta Tourism Authority said it was still processing an application for the operation of an accommodation establishment. The Environmental Health Directorate and the Superintendence of Public Health gave their green light, subject to a list of conditions related to the proposed kitchen and the preparation of food on site.

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage also raised no objections to the development application from a cultural heritage point of view.

It said that any increase in height and volumes included in the project should be in keeping with planning policies for the area, also taking into consideration the existing context.

Enemalta Corporation did not object to the proposed development.

Ryan’s Pub recently changed hands and is now being turned into a restaurant. It overlooks Spinola Bay Square and Villa Frieres, a scheduled property.

According to residents objecting to the proposed development, the new building would ruin the aesthetics of the area. They also expressed concern about the plant room planned for the top floor, saying this would look ugly and create noise pollution.