A controversial proposal for the construction of 30 apartments in a 250-year-old scheduled property in Għaxaq, initially refused by the planning authority, is back on the agenda after the developer filed an appeal.
However, proceedings before the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal which is hearing the case have stalled after the first sitting due to a potential conflict of interest involving the tribunal’s chairman, Martin Saliba.
Mr Saliba notified the parties he was recusing himself from the case in view of the fact that he had been involved in the early part of the application’s processing, known as screening. In view of this, it was decided to put off the case and appoint a new tribunal.
The application in question was unanimously refused last February and involved the development of the garden of Palazzo Giannin, which is a Grade 2 scheduled building. The status is granted to buildings of some architectural or historical interest or which contribute to the visual image of an urban conservation area.
The proposal comprised basement level garages, 30 residential units over five levels including penthouse and the restoration of what would remain of the baroque garden. It…