Although the four designs of the façade submitted by the developer’s architect were an improvement over the original one submitted a fortnight ago, neither the planning directorate nor the Board were happy with them.
This led Mepa to approve the development on condition that a satisfactory design is submitted by 30 November. Until then, no work beyond demolition, excavation and the laying of foundations will be allowed.
The Mepa board also unanimously approved the construction of a community home for the elderly at Mellieha. This will provide 120 beds in 108 rooms, a day centre, a chapel, a physiotherapy centre and other related facilities.
A permit for a three-storey home for the elderly on the same site had already been issued last year, but an additional storey was needed in view of government’s revised policy on homes for the elderly. Following a request by Mellieha local council, the Mepa board decided that any soil and debris – especially rubble walls – that is removed during the excavation work should be deposited at Ta’ Brag to be used as part of the council’s afforestation project there.
A third full development application for demolishing and re-building in a different layout the north wing of the Kempinski San Lawrenz Resort and Spa, extending extra floors on the central and south wings of the hotel and constructing a casino, was approved, with one vote against – that of Labour representative Dr Joe Brincat.
Dr Brincat said that since an enforcement notice had been issued on the site, the application could not be considered until the developer complies with the enforcement notice.
For his part, the case officer noted that the enforcement notice had been issued in respect of a gazebo in the area which is to be demolished. Therefore, since the application will include the demolition of that illegality, the developer is complying with the terms of the enforcement notice.
The developer said that the company already has a letter of intent from the gaming board for a licence to open a casino at the site. The letter is valid for two years.
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