The Planning Authority last week threw out an application to develop part of a garden that once formed part of the servants’ quarters of a scheduled 18th century palazzo in Żejtun.
The application was seeking to build 20 residential units and underlying garages in a part of the garden of Villa Curmi in Żejtun. But the Planning Authority upheld concerns of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage which called for the garden to be safeguarded. Not all the garden is covered by the protection afforded to the palazzo and its grounds.
The application’s case officer had recommended refusal since the garden contained features such as walls of historical and architectural significance and therefore merited protection.
The building was constructed in the 18th century by Paolo Curmi, who went on to become mayor of Żejtun in the 1800s.
Its gardens are divided into three parts. An internal courtyard with an ornate gateway and steps leads to the largest part. This has a central passageway leading to a belvedere that overlooks the garden.
The third part, which was reserved for the servants, is accessible through the main garden or through the servants’ quarters which lie next door to the massive palazzo.
In the end, common sense prevailed. Let us continue working towards protecting Żejtun’s heritage
In 2006, the Planning Authority scheduled Villa Curmi and the servants’ quarters as a Grade 2 building of architectural and historical importance. Only part of the garden was given the same level of protection.
Reacting to the Planning Authority’s decision, Wirt iż-Żejtun president Ruben Abela said: “Common sense has prevailed. The Planning Authority gave due consideration to our objections as well as those of the Żejtun council, residents, the Superintendence as well as the reccomendation to refuse by the Planning Directorate.
“In the end, common sense prevailed. Let us continue working towards protecting Żejtun’s heritage.”
The application had sought to develop part of the historic garden to construct 12 basement garages for two dozen cars, four maisonettes at ground floor level, and 16 apartments spread over four floors.
The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage objected to the proposed encroachment onto scheduled property, saying it had already sustained a number of extensive encroachments and any further intrusions could not be tolerated.