The construction of an eight-story hotel in a residential area of Swieqi, which has received many objections by the residents in the area was today given the go ahead by the Planning Authority.

The eight-story hotel, which will be located in Lourdes Lane, close to Paceville, was approved by the Planning Board earlier today, with nine votes in favor and three against.

The hotel will be built instead of a two-storey house. Within that area, height limitation is three floors, however, a few policies allowed the plans for the hotel to adjust the height limit, through which another two storeys are allowed to be built. The Swieqi local council also objected to the project, with their architects arguing that the policy could only be applied to buildings which are already constructed. However, the board refuted this factor. 

During the hearing, residents living in the area argued that approving the hotel would increase rowdy behavior in the area, whilst traffic and parking issues which the narrow road currently faces would only become worse. 

Maria Grazia Cassar, the president of Engo Din L-Art Helwa noted that the construction would eliminate the visual presence of Palazzo Villa Rosa. Chairman Vince Cassar, who also voted against, said that the proposal did not safeguard the quality of life of the residents.