The Victoria Local Council and Wirt Għawdex have called on the Planning Authority to amend a planning permit that had allowed the developers of a boutique hotel to open up two windows and a door overlooking the Cittadella ditch.

The development last year led to the collapse of the back wall of the property, which abuts the Cittadella ditch. The Planning Authority had stopped the works and a magisterial inquiry was launched.

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage had also issued a Conservation and Protection Order, explaining the property as abutting the “counter-scarp of the covert-way in front of the ditch, which are an intrinsic part of the historical fortifications around the Ċittadella”.

“This is a historic centre of outstanding architectural, historical and contextual value, scheduled for its protection at the highest level,” the SCH had said.

The collapsed is being repaired, the council and the NGO said in a statement, but the windows and door “will again be established since the original permit has not been amended to omit these apertures, notwithstanding the damage they have created,” they said.

The Victoria Local Council said that, since the ditch belongs to the Government (Lands Authority), it is only the Lands Authority that can submit an objection about these apertures.

“The Local Council has carried out its responsibilities as the lessee and advised and made its objections, before the wall collapsed, to the Lands Authority as the responsible entity for Government property.  The Lands Authority confirmed to the Council that no such permission was ever granted. However, the granting of servitude (making openings in a dividing wall) always needs to be approved by the owner and yet, the Planning Authority did not receive or request the developer to present such permission during processing of the application.”

The statement also noted that the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage had strongly objected to these apertures. “All the reasons they quoted for these objections are still relevant today.”

The Victoria Local Council and Wirt Għawdex said they are strongly recommending that Planning Authority removes the windows and door from the permit.