The Chamber of Architects and Civil Engineers said in a statement this afternoon it had made its position clear with the previous administration in a comprehensive report outlying issues in the justification and in the proper administration of height limitation policies for hotels.

Reacting the a decision taken by the government to allow hotels in tourist areas to build an extra two storeys, the chamber said amongst its recommendations it advocated proper impact analysis of the built environment in the applicability of this policy towards achieving a more sustainable environment and a better quality of life in the long term.

Noting that it is not in possession of the updated policy as approved by the Malta Envirnment and Plannng Authority (Mepa), the Chamber of Architects and Civil Engineers reiterates its availability to discuss with government its concerns and possible refinements to this policy seeing that it now needs to be ratified by the Prime Minister as required by law.

On Thursday, A Height Adjustment Policy for hotels in touristic areas was announced by the Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Simplification of Administrative Processes, Michael Farrugia and Tourism Minister Karmenu Vella.

In a statement following the announcement, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa) said this gives Malta’s tourism industry an edge in a highly competitive and volatile international tourism market.

The policy, by which hoteliers may build an additional two storeys on their property, is intended to improve economies of scale and result in better profitability.

The touristic areas identified are Mellieha, St Paul’s Bay, Bugibba and St Julian’s, Paceville, Sliema, Marsascala, Marsaxlokk and Birzebbuga. Gozo is being considered as a touristic area in general and applications will be treated on case by case basis.

The hotels that apply for extensions under the policy cannot be in Outside Development Zones, Urban Conservation Areas, areas of high archeological and historical value and residential priority areas.

Before being given the go ahead, the Malta Tourism Authority must give its approval while Transport Malta will be consulted when it comes to parking and traffic arrangements.