Earlier today, the Planning Authority initiated direct action to remove illegal development adjacent to the Pietà Bocci Club which is located within a Grade 1 scheduled area.

The illegalities are subject to multiple enforcement notices and consist of excavations and unauthorised extensions to the existing building within parts of the scheduled military glacis, the PA said in a statement.

The contravener not only ignored the Authority’s enforcement notices and warnings but also carried out further illegal works. The authority stepped in to start removing these illegal extensions at the full expense of the contravener, the PA said.

Prior to the operation, the authority liaised with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH) to ensure that the remedial works are carried out in a manner not to cause further damage to the scheduled area.

Due to the sensitivity of the operation and the difficult access to the site, most of the works are being carried out manually.

The Planning Authority said it is being assisted by members of the Police Force.