Moviment Graffitti has called on the Planning Authority and the government to immediately reject a proposed boutique hotel development within Qormi's Urban Conservation Area, warning that the project would destroy a historic garden, threaten the area's character and significantly impact residents' quality of life, the organisation said in a statement.
Graffitti released a video on its social media platforms, highlighting what it described as grave concerns over development application PA/00472/25, which it said threatens the heart of Qormi's Urban Conservation Area.
The organisation said the proposed project on Triq il-Kbira, presented as a "boutique hotel," seeks to transform the historic Baroque palace tat-Tabib Maempel into a commercial complex comprising several guesthouses and multiple swimming pools.
According to the statement, the development would destroy a centuries-old garden that serves as an important green space for the St George area, including ancient citrus and olive trees as well as medieval structures.
Moviment Graffitti said that despite widespread opposition from residents, the project has been recommended for approval by the case officer, with the Planning Authority's final hearing scheduled for Thursday, 9 July.
The video released by the organisation features residents together with Qormi Mayor Josef Masini Vento, all of whom oppose the proposal, saying the scale of the development would fundamentally alter the peaceful and authentic character of the St George village core, the statement said.
Moviment Graffitti argued that the proposal breaches Urban Conservation Area principles, citing Article 4.1.1 of the DC15 policy, which states that open spaces such as gardens are essential to urban life and should be fully safeguarded.
The organisation also warned that the extensive excavation required could contaminate Qormi's historic natural water source and groundwater table through sewage, pool chlorine and pesticides.
It further argued that the development would replace the area's tranquillity with continuous noise, increased traffic and disruption, while locating the hotel's service entrance in a narrow dead-end alley near Pjazza San Franġisk would severely affect residents by effectively turning the neighbourhood into a service yard.
Moviment Graffitti said it does not oppose the genuine restoration of the historic palace and its garden, but believes the site should instead be restored with the dignity it deserves so it can be enjoyed by future generations.
The organisation called on the Planning Authority and the government to reject the proposal, saying Malta must protect the few historic and authentic green spaces it still has, the statement added.
Photo: Times of Malta/Chris Sant Fournier.