An application to construct a six-storey block of apartments in the garden of a historic palazzo in Għaxaq is receiving “preferential treatment” from the heritage watchdog, which has so far not objected to the proposed development, an NGO claims.

In contrast, minor applications which do not have such an adverse impact, including the restoration of a baroque garden, are being subjected to rigorous scrutiny and numerous inspections, Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar committee member Astrid Vella says in a letter to the editor on Sunday.

The Sunday Times of Malta sought the reaction of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage but had not received replies by the time of writing.

Aerial view

Read: Efforts continuing to turn Għaxaq gem into apartments, conservationists complain

The controversy centres around an application for the construction of 30 apartments in the garden of the 250-year-old Palazzo Giannin, submitted by Michael Paris on behalf of the heirs of Mrs Mary Paris. Architect Edwin Mintoff is the project’s designer.

In 2013, the 18th century baroque building was granted Grade 2 protection by the Planning Authority, which means that some development is allowed but the outer structure must be preserved.

The saga has been dragging on since 2004, which is when the first attempt was made to build residential units with garages for private use. That proposal was rejected and the decision confirmed on appeal but a new application was filed 2012, which is still pending.

Two adjacent blocks are being proposed, each of five storeys and penthouse, while what is left of the original garden would be restored. According to the application, only a quarter of the garden will be developed.

The proposal has prompted a barrage of complaints including a petition from FAA which has been endorsed by more than 1,700 objectors. 

Read: FAA misleading the public - John Paris

According to Ms Vella, the Superintendence is being inconsistent when deciding on sensitive applications like this. She claims that the heritage watchdog has twice inspected Villa Mekrech, another historic building in Għaxaq, in connection with an application to restore it and create a tea garden.

And the Superintendence had inspected a little house next to Palazzo Giannin no less than three times, making recommendations to scale down the proposed development, which were acceded to by the PA.

The Superintendence has steadfastly ignored all appeals to inspect and report

“This relatively humble house has none of the grand baroque features to be found in the Giannin garden, yet the Superintendence has steadfastly ignored all appeals to inspect and report on the far larger and more damaging Palazzo Giannin project,” Ms Vella said.

Her criticism came after the FAA formally requested the heritage watchdog to conduct an inspection but no feedback was ever received.

“Such inconsistencies only serve to reinforce the public perception that projects proposed by powerful developers or architects are protected by ‘hands-off’ instructions from above,” Ms Vella said.

The FAA’s concern is not limited to the destruction of the Għaxaq skyline. If the garden is developed, eliminating its ability to absorb heavy rainfall, there is very real risk of repeat flooding, she said.   

Ms Vella remarked that giving the go-ahead to this project would make the government’s pronunciations on sustainability and climate change ring very hollow.