From Mr M. A. Vella

Budget 2009 seeks to protect and enhance our streetscapes by funding up to e2,500 towards the cost of restoration of the façades of pre-1950 residential buildings. Now, how does government square that up with the constant erosion of town and village cores that is being sanctioned by Mepa?

A case in point is the entire row of 10 houses, up Milner Street and turning onto Howard Street, buildings all going back to a more gracious age. In at least one case with proven Grade 2 criteria, which under Mepa’s own policies is protected against modification let alone destruction, it was inexplicably and unjustifiably taken out of the Sliema Urban Conservation Area leaving the others open to complete demolition to be replaced by yet more apartment blocks.

Mepa had refused demolition under application PA1218/06 on the grounds that “...through consultation with the Heritage Advisory Committee, it was indicated that the existing dwellings have a considerable architectural value which should be preserved. Therefore the proposed demolition of the building cannot be favourable (sic) acceptable”. (extract from Case Officer report), while the comments made by the Directorate stated, “The Committee should note that the existing buildings on both sides of the street are located in a row of similar two-storey terraced townhouses all having decorative and architectural features were no visual intrusion has been created so far on this stretch. These buildings, except the last on Milner Street, share a common cornice above the first floor that contribute well with the characteristics of the building and of the streetscape when seen as a whole.

“As such the proposed demolition and the construction of a five-storey block would aesthetically disrupt and have an adverse impact on the streetscape when seen as a whole. In this respect, the demolition of the building and the construction of a five-storey block with an overlying penthouse should not be tolerated.”

Yet, despite those high-sounding declarations to the contrary, Mepa has approved the very same project by the very same developer against an identical application under reference PA06269/06. Seven of the houses now stand to be demolished and replaced by a “five-storey block with an overlying penthouse” that, in the words of the Mepa Directorate itself “should not be tolerated”. The photos illustrate the type of impact the project will have on the streetscape once that transition takes place.

The time has now come for both the government and Mepa to put a stop to their schizophrenic attitude with regard to Malta’s architectural heritage by purporting to act in favour of conserving that heritage, while concurrently doing the very opposite.

Michael A. Vella

SLIEMA