Illegal construction work at Paranga Restaurant was stopped by enforcement officers this morning after residents had raised concerns with The Malta Independent.

Enforcement officers had already stopped the work on Sunday, but it had resumed today.

St George's Bay residents protested against ongoing construction works, saying that the work will ruin the outline of the bay.

Residents speaking with this newsroom noted that Planning Authority enforcement officers went on site yesterday after construction works began. This was confirmed by the PA but the work had resumed this morning.

The residents said that they called the Planning Authority again today, as works continued after the officers left yesterday. Residents are angry at this development, and also fear that such construction, right on the bay side, will set a precedent for more to continue building above road level from the beach-side area.

This morning, enforcement officers turned up again and the work was stopped again and the workers were sent home.

Sources told The Malta Independent that the work was illegal and the owners of the restaurant, the Eden Lesiure Group, had filed an application for the sanctioning of the work. Kevin Decesare, owner and director of the group, had been seen on site overseeing the works.

The sources said that the work cannot continue until the application is discussed.

In response to questions posed by this newsroom, the PA said: "PA officers inspected the premises over the weekend and issued instructions for the works to stop since these require planning permission. A planning application has already been submitted and is currently being validated by the Authority."