The Planning Authority said Thursday it has issued an Emergency Conservation Order to safeguard the historic property at Nos. 50 and 51, Triq Lapsi, St Julian's, including its garden, in recognition of its historical, architectural and contextual value and its contribution to an important green lung within the locality.

The intervention follows a request from the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, which identified the site as at risk of heritage loss. The order will provide time for further assessment of the garden and neighbouring gardens, both individually and collectively, to establish whether they merit additional protection beyond their existing inclusion within the St Julian's Urban Conservation Area. The property comprises a traditional townhouse whose façade retains characteristic architectural features and materials.

Together with neighbouring properties along Triq Lapsi, it contributes to the street's historic character, close to Lapsi Church, the PA said. Its garden forms part of a group of adjoining gardens and yards associated with properties along Triq Lapsi and Triq Sant' Anglu.

These spaces retain elements of the area's traditional urban layout and provide valuable greenery and open space within a densely built neighbourhood. The garden itself preserves identifiable features, including passageways, planters and stone garden sheds. An exercise undertaken by the Planning Directorate has also identified the garden as part of a proposed green enclave encompassing several neighbouring gardens.

Protecting these spaces helps preserve the character of the historic centre while supporting its liveability. Under the Emergency Conservation Order, the site is to be treated as a Grade 2 scheduled property for a period of 12 months from the order's publication. Damage, demolition, excavation, dumping and unauthorised alterations are prohibited.

Any permissible development, restoration or other intervention requires prior approval from the Planning Authority in consultation with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage. Responsibility for the site's ongoing maintenance remains with its owners.