There need to be stricter rules on the protection of scheduled buildings, Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Jose Herrera told The Malta Independent.

In the past there have been planning applications on scheduled buildings proposing interventions that would, for example, retain the façade, but involve the demolition of the rest or the construction of more floors above. The Malta Independent asked Minister Herrera, who is also the former Environment Minister, whether there should be stricter rules on the protection of scheduled buildings and whether people should be allowed to build extra floors on top of them.

Minister Herrera said that it is about time that there be more of an emphasis placed on the preservation of Malta’s local heritage buildings.

 “In my personal and political opinion, yes it is about time that we put our foot down and preserve our village cores, our prestigious buildings and heritage.”

He said that within the Cultural Ministry, there is the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage which plays an important role, as every application is vetted by the Superintendence. “We receive around 10,000 applications per year,” said Herrera.  He said that now is the time to take care and protect the island’s environment and heritage.

“I am not happy with how things have been going for the past few years,” explained Herrera, “we have given too much emphasis and importance to the economic side of things, without preserving either our environment or heritage.”

He said that more must be done to protect the environment and Malta’s patrimony.

“If we do not do this, we will slowly destroy the flavour and texture of our country, and my intention is to do my best to protect our heritage.”