At a recent public hearing, an unexpected blow was dealt to historical buildings at the edge of the square at Balluta which lend character to the setting of the Parish Church.

Environment spokesman Mark Causon said: “Application PA 3408/03 for the demolition of Number 7, ir-Rampa Ta’ San Giljan to be developed as an apartment block has slipped through a well-greased net.

“The Grade 3 listing was intended to protect the building, which has some features of architectural merit. Normally a Grade 3 status building can only be redeveloped under the strict condition that any new structure reflects the original surroundings. A massive hotel development has sprung up at the edge of the valley mouth since the building was first protected some years ago

“If the minister bends to the planning board’s request without adequate justification, he will be held personally responsible for the capricious reversal of a historical property scheduling which was accompanied by a huge fanfare when the building was first protected.

“This unfortunate bending of the rules reveals the inconsistency of those who have spoken so frequently of sustainable development but in reality break under pressure, displaying a poor degree of loyalty to upholding the conservation of heritage in the urban environment. Mepa should be ashamed of itself for even thinking of stealing away this small piece of architectural heritage from the citizens of St Julian’s, much less recommending that the minister rubber-stamp it.”