An application to construct a 12-storey Qormi tower was dropped just hours prior to the Planning Authority Board discussion today by the developers.

The application had been filed to build a 12-storey office building in Qormi, on the site of Meli Bugeja Ltd., Triq il-Mithna corner with Triq is-Sebh.

“This outline development application proposed the site clearance and demolition of an existing marble factory at the limits of Qormi, the excavation for a three-storey underground parking and the construction of a 12-storey high building (c. 43m high) over a 1,070sqm footprint,” the Case Officer’s report reads.

The Qormi Local Council had objected to the proposed development since it would have overcome the adjacent mill, “which is one of the few remaining mills on the island and is currently subject to an application by the local council for its restoration. The council is also against the construction of high rises at the entrance to Qormi.”

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage had noted that “a 17th century windmill known as Il-Mitħna tal-Erwieħ or Il-Mitħna ta’ Pampalaw which has been scheduled at Grade 1 for its protection by the Planning Authority lies adjacent to the captioned site. Any proposed development should not impact the stability and the views and vistas of this historical windmill. Punic tombs were documented in the area and the survival of further archaeological remains cannot be excluded.”

“Further to a site inspection of the above property by the Superintendence and the Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee, and assessment of the documents provided, the following was noted: A redesign of this proposal is recommended to mitigate the impact on the historical windmill; (No Work Method Statement was provided to explain which measures will be taken to safeguard the windmill and its stability.”