A planning application by a band club in St Julian's to place a platform for a catering area on the pavement and road has been suspended by the applicant.

The band club, located on Triq San Gorg, St Julian's, close by to the Love sign, proposed an outdoor catering area consisting of a stepped platform built in a metal and timber frame, "as approved by the Land's Authority."

The St Julian's local council had objected. "In the past, the barman operating under the permission of the San Ġiljan Band Club Committee used to place barrels (used as tables) and (chairs) along the pavement in front of the Kazin Banda San Ġiljan. The Council had no objection to this arrangement, as all other establishments located on the left-hand side of the square hold the necessary permits to place tables and chairs outdoors. However, a few months ago, the Community Police raised concerns about the use of the pavement and instructed the Kazin Banda San Ġiljan Committee to regularise their position with the Lands Department. Subsequently, the Committee applied not for an outdoor tables and-chairs permit but for a permanent platform structure," the council said.

The Local Council said that it strongly objects to this proposal, saying that the platform would "create a visual eyesore to the street where the Kazin Banda San Giljan is situated."

The council also said that it would occupy valuable parking spaces, particularly during the evening after the bar is closed; and "set a negative precedent for other establishments to submit similar applications, potentially altering the character and functionality of the area."

The Council said that it is not opposed to the placement of removable tables and chairs, provided these are cleared away when the bar closes in the evening. "This would allow the establishment to continue operating comfortably during the day and evening, without creating an obstruction or permanent alteration to the public space."

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage had also objected to the application. It expressed its reservations on the proposed platform and outdoor catering area. "This office notes the relative absence of such commitments along this street and notes especially the inevitable visual impact on perceptions of the facade of the scheduled property."