Townsquare said today it remains fully committed to transforming its derelict site in Sliema into a first class lifestyle development and will be meeting Planning Authority officials next week to discuss the way forward, the company said.

A spokesman for Townsquare said: “We are naturally disappointed with the decision by the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal on Thursday to refer the permit back to the PA Board and disagree with several of its conclusions.

“We took great care to adhere to policy during the course of a lengthy and detailed planning process and met all the requirements set out by the Planning Authority and Environment Resources Authority in the years leading to the approval of the Townsquare application in 2016.

“We therefore intend to take all the necessary steps in the coming days to ensure the process continues.”