The Planning Authority said that the Valletta Local Council had been informed about an application for a steel structure to be installed in front of a hotel in Merchants Street.

The structure has been the subject of great controversy, with many saying that it is yet another permit that will spoil the capital city.

The council issued a statement saying it had not been notified about planning application for the proposed placing of tables and chairs, umbrellas and street furniture including the setting up of a platform infront of the existing Rosselli Hotel in Merchant Street.

In a statement, the PA said that as is standard procedure with all development applications, assessed through the Full Process, on 2 June 2021, the VaIletta Local Council, being a statutory consultee, was specifically consulted in relation to application PA2520/21 and was given up until 9 July 2021 to submit any comments and/or recommendations.

This was carried out in accordance with the provisions laid out in the Development Planning (Procedure for Applications and their Determination) Regulations, 2016. The council was informed that the Planning Authority would consider the absence of a reply to mean that the council had “no objection” to the proposed development.

The authority can confirm that the Valletta Local Council did not submit any comments or recommendations. The Authority also received a no objection from the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) while the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage (SCH) raised no concern about the proposed development during the processing of the application.

The authority said it can confirm that the structure is being built in accordance with the approved plans and drawings.