The owners of two Qawra hotels called on the Malta environment and Planning Authority to refuse the application for a permit to build a 27-storey high-rise building adjacent to these hotels.

CH Formosa Limited and Noniroca Limited own and operate two hotels in Qawra – Canifor Hotel and Dorirose Aparthotel. They filed a judicial protect yesterday in an effort to halt the application process for a 27-storey building to be constructed by Vellsix Ltd in the vicinity of these hotels.

“Not only does the height of the proposed building exceed the five-floor maximum stated in the current policies, but the constructing will have a dramatic impact on the infrastructure and amenities in the area,” the protest declared.

The hotel owners also explained that if eventually constructed, the 27-storey building will plunge their hotel pool areas into shade. This will reduce the property’s value and also force the hotels to close down, resulting in around 80 people losing their jobs, the protest continued.

In light of this, the hotel owners called on Mepa to refuse the application. They said they will take all the legal action necessary for this decision to be taken and will hold the authority responsible for any damages caused. The protest was filed by Dr Chris Cilia.