From Ms S. DeBono

I refer to the article regarding the permit to change a balcony in a dwelling in Triq San Vincenz, Sliema (TMIS, 3 December).

The following points have to be made.

Although the address for the dwelling is in Triq San Vincenz, the balcony overlooks The Strand. The balcony pictured in the article, that is the one which is partly enclosed, has nothing to do with this building and belongs to third parties.

The balcony for which application PA6076/06 was submitted and permit granted gives on to The Strand and is in a state of deterioration. It is outside the Urban Conservation Area and hence the changes envisaged could be considered acceptable. This is also in line with approved policies (DC2005).

The concern expressed in your newspaper would have been wholly justified had the balcony been inside the Urban Conservation Area.

Sylvana DeBono

Public Relations Officer

MEPA