SmartCity ready to start building
SmartCity Malta has reached an advanced planning stage and is ready to start construction of its ICT/media township at Ricasoli as soon as the Planning Authority gives the go-ahead.
(The Times 02/09/2008) read more...

The Independent planning watch
An application request to construct a dwelling with a raised basement roofed on three courses above pavement level in a site, which lies within the Urban Conservation Area of Qala, was submitted to Mepa.
(The Independent on Sunday 31/08/2008) read more...

Housing much harder to afford
Buying a house has become significantly harder to afford over the last few years as prices have risen sharply while disposable income remained relatively constant, according to a paper published in the latest edition of Bank of Valletta Review.
(The Times 01/09/2008) read more...

Siggiewi mayor stresses home renovation work all above board
Siggiewi mayor Robert Musumeci stressed yesterday that all internal work being carried out at a residence he is renovating in the village centre is above board. It does not require a full development permit, but only a development notification order that has already been filed with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.
(The Independent on Sunday 31/08/2008) read more...

The law is not and will not be broken in Lija – architect
The architect of a controversial development that has stirred up a hornets’ nest in the otherwise quiet village of Lija yesterday pledged that a verdict expected to be handed down by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority on Thursday will be respected to the letter.
(The Independent on Sunday 31/08/2008) read more...

Luqa cemetery expansion finds Bronze Age remains
A cluster of five silos dating back to the Bronze Age period were recently discovered when excavation work, forming part of a project to extend the Luqa cemetery, was being carried out.
(The Independent on Sunday 31/08/2008) read more...

Fresh Ta’ Cenc plans to be made public tomorrow; developers to meet NGOs
The Malta Environment and Planning Authority opened its 15-day representation period on the new plans for the controversial Ta’ Cenc development application yesterday, meaning the developers’ new plans will be available for viewing at Mepa when it reopens for business tomorrow morning.
(The Independent on Sunday 31/08/2008) read more...

MLP asks who is responsible for building energy efficiency
New regulations to come into force in 2009
(The Sunday Times 31/08/2008) read more...

Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Valletta (44)
Dar Annona
(The Times 30/08/2008) read more...

St John's: Sacred spaces and fundamentalist approaches
At a meeting held at the premises of Din l-Art Ħelwa, Edward Bencini, consultant architect to St John's Co-Cathedral Foundation, gave a presentation to NGOs and other associations on the proposed expansion of St John's Co-Cathedral Museum.
Alfred Zahra de Domenico (The Times 29/08/2008) read more...

Demolition near Lija Belvedere starts
The developers behind the apartment block which neighbours the landmark Lija Belvedere started demolition works on their site despite the fact that the Malta Environment and Planning Authority scheduled the area last month, hoping to block the controversial project.
(The Times 29/08/2008) read more...

MLP launches public consultation exercise on Mepa reform
The Labour Party yesterday launched another public consultation exercise about the reform of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority “as part of leader Joseph Muscat’s commitment for the Labour Party to be the voice of the people of Malta and Gozo”.
(The Malta Independent 28/08/2008) read more...

St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation calls for independent EIA
The St John's Co-Cathedral Foundation agreed with the positions taken separately by the Church Commission on the Environment and by Din l-Art Helwa on the proposed extension of St John's Co-Cathedral Museum.
(The Malta Independent 28/08/2008) read more...

St John’s Co-Cathedral and its Museum: No option should be ruled out – Church commission
If “unreasonable risks” are posed by the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation proposals for the extension of St John’s Museum, additional space should be sought elsewhere, the Environment Commission of the archdiocese said. But no one should, at this stage, rule out a priori any option.
(The Malta Independent 28/08/2008) read more...

Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Valletta (43)
The old slaughterhouse
(The Times 28/08/2008) read more...

Mepa urged to investigate road near fireworks factory
The Labour Party's spokesman on Mepa yesterday called on the authority to investigate the building of a private road within the buffer zone of the Lija fireworks factory.
(The Times 28/08/2008) read more...

St John's museum extension proposal
Church commission adopts wait-and-see stance
(The Times 28/08/2008) read more...

Controversy at St John's Co-Cathedral
The issues surrounding the proposals to develop exhibition space at St John's Co-Cathedral have touched a raw nerve.
Martin Galea (The Times 27/08/2008) read more...

NGOs call on Mepa to publish Ta' Ċenċ plans
Eight environmental NGOs have called on Mepa to publish online the fresh plans submitted for the extension of the Ta' Ċenċ Hotel in Gozo.
(The Times 27/08/2008) read more...

FAA queries application for cow farm at Magħtab
The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa) will today consider an application for a cow farm on arable land right next to residential homes in Magħtab even when disused farms nearby are being converted into warehouses, Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) complained yesterday.
(The Times 27/08/2008) read more...

The secrecy of Ta’ Cenc‘an example of disrespect to citizens’ – AD
Alternattiva Demokratika expressed itself four square with NGOs and insisted with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority and the government that plans regarding Ta’ Cenc should immediately be put on line.
(The Malta Independent 26/08/2008) read more...

Is St John's a church or a museum?
There is nothing that compares to St John's Co-Cathedral in the Mediterranean; in fact in the whole of Europe if not the world.
Kenneth Zammit Tabona (The Times 26/08/2008) read more...

Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Valletta (42)
New Fish Market at the Barriera
(The Times 26/08/2008) read more...

'Need for more information about heritage'
The newly-appointed chairman of the Valletta, Mdina and Cottonera rehabilitation committees wants to give people more information about Malta's heritage.
(The Times 26/08/2008) read more...

NGOs call on MEPA to publish Ta' Cenc plans
Eight environmental NGOs have called on the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) to publish online the fresh plans submitted for the extension of the hotel at Ta’ Cenc in Gozo.
(The Times 26/08/2008) read more...

Chairman reappointed
Architect Adrian Mamo has been reconfirmed as chairman of the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts.
(The Malta Independent 25/05/2008) read more...

PM thrashes out MEPA reform with various stakeholders
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday met a number of stakeholders and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) including the Chamber of Architects, the Chamber of Planners, the MEPA Users Committee, Din l-Art Helwa, Nature Trust and Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar as part of the MEPA reform consultation process.
(The Malta Independent 01/08/2008) read more...

The Independent planning watch
An application was submitted to Mepa requesting the demolition of an existing building and the erection of a replacement dwelling.
Robert Musumeci (The Independent on Sunday 24/08/2008) read more...

Monte di Pieta’ building again damaged due to excavation work below
The 16th century Monte di Pieta’ building in Merchants Street, Valletta, the national public pawnbrokers, has again been damaged extensively due to excavation work carried out on the site occupied by a confectionary.
(The Independent on Sunday 24/08/2008) read more...

Mepa’s Heritage Board against digging up Valletta
Mepa’s Heritage Advisory Committee has ruled that two major projects being considered for Valletta, one in Palace Square by the State and one in front of St John’s Co-Cathedral by the Foundation for St John’s Co-Cathedral, which is a joint Church-State body, should not be considered or approved inasmuch as they envisage the digging up of important sites in Valletta.
(The Independent on Sunday 24/08/2008) read more...

St Thomas Tower rehabilitation project: First phase completed
The 1614 St Thomas Tower has had the first phase of its rehabilitation completed, with the removal of some 18 skips of rubbish and construction material.
(The Malta Independent 23/08/2008) read more...

Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Valletta (41)
Palazzo Hompesch
(The Times 23/08/2008) read more...

Dislodged block at Pietà old Customs verandah removed
The dislodged block which lay suspended on scaffolding at the old Customs verandah in Pieta on Thursday was removed
(The Times 23/08/2008) read more...

Proposed extension of co-cathedral museum
FAA accuses foundation of dismissing voice of public
(The Times 23/08/2008) read more...

Proposed extension to St John's Co-Cathedral Museum
Foundation accuses detractors of misleading public
(The Times 22/08/2008) read more...

NGOs call for better use of space
Two environmental NGOs yesterday called on St John’s Foundation to better utilise the space available in the cathedral and buy a disused palazzo close by instead of going through with two submitted development applications.
(The Malta Independent 21/08/2008) read more...

Need for strategy on high-rise buildings – MLP
Roderick Galdes, the Labour Party’s spokesman for planning, said the need was being increasingly felt of a clear policy and national strategy relating to the construction of high-rise buildings.
(The Malta Independent 21/08/2008) read more...

Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Valletta (40)
Maisons Demandols
(The Times 21/08/2008) read more...

Record number of objections to co-cathedral museum proposals
We are backing the foundation in seeking more exhibition space, through alternative sites - FAA
(The Times 21/08/2008) read more...

Law Report: Ownership vs the right of passage
This case concerned a dispute regarding a yard wherein the plaintiff spouses requested the court to declare that the same yard which was accessible from the property of the plaintiffs and defendants in Sannat, Gozo, was owned exclusively by the plaintiffs.
(The Malta Independent 20/08/2008) read more...

Construction work in tourist zones harming industry – MLP
Though there were regulations against construction sites creating an inconvenience and negative impression, these rules were not being enforced well enough and in the height of the tourism season there were in tourist zones noises and rubbish created by works close to tourism establishments, Marie-Louise Coleiro-Preca, Labour Party tourism spokeswoman, said.
(The Malta Independent 20/08/2008) read more...

Construction 'still going on in tourist areas'
Construction work is carrying on in tourist areas at the height of the tourism season despite a supposed ban, Labour's tourism spokesman Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca charged yesterday.
(The Times 20/08/2008) read more...

Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Valletta (39)
The Main Guard and the Chancellery
(The Times 19/08/2008) read more...

Developers announce plans to build luxury hotel, apartments on Jerma site
The site of the former Jerma Palace Hotel in Marsascala is to be turned into a five-star hotel managed by an international hotel brand.
(The Times 19/08/2008) read more...

Police, Mepa and warden crackdown on rubbish begins tomorrow
The Police Corps, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa) and local wardens will join forces tomorrow for an unannounced, wide-sweeping 10-day crackdown on littering and dumping contraventions, The Malta Independent on Sunday has learnt.
(The Independent on Sunday 17/08/2008) read more...

Vandalised ancient farmstead to be restored
A historic farmstead in Manikata is being restored to its former glory after years of neglect and vandalism.
(The Sunday Times 17/08/2008) read more...

Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Valletta (38)
The Biblioteca
(The Times 16/08/2008) read more...

Mepa allows private road to encroach on fireworks factory buffer zone
Mepa has no problem with the fact that a private road in Iklin will encroach on the safety buffer zone of the St Michael's Fireworks Factory, because the passage will "not be used regularly".
(The Times 16/08/2008) read more...

Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Valletta (37)
The Manoel Theatre
(The Times 14/08/2008) read more...

New aerial images of Maltese islands added to Mepa archives
The extensive aerial photographic records at the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa) have been beefed up with detailed and definitive aerial imagery of the Maltese islands, Mepa said yesterday.
(The Times 14/08/2008) read more...

Law report: The right not to appear on a final contract of sale
This case concerned a claim by spouses for a refund of a sum they had paid upon the signing of a preliminary agreement (konvenju) regarding the purchase of property in Ghajnsielem, Gozo, from the defendant company as well as a claim for damages.
(The Malta Independent 13/08/2008) read more...

Ta’ Fgieni in Attard declared as a scheduled buffer zone
The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa) has declared the area known as Ta’ Fgieni in Attard as a scheduled buffer zone, in a move to conserve the vistas of Villa Bologna, its gardens and the surrounding boundary wall.
(The Malta Independent 13/08/2008) read more...

Views from Villa Bighi
Bichi: Views From The Villa is the name of an exhibition which will run until September at the National Museum of Fine Arts in South Street, Valletta.
(The Times 13/08/2008) read more...

Villa Bologna gets buffer zone
Mepa has provided Villa Bologna with a buffer zone, possibly ending the controversy that has been brewing for months over this historic landmark.
(The Times 13/08/2008) read more...

Proposals to extend St John's Co-Cathedral Museum
Foundation prefers digging to building
(The Times 13/08/2008) read more...

Mepa: the terminally ill patient conducting a diagnosis on itself
Will the Mepa reform be cosmetic or will it be a root and branch overhaul of its entire structures?
Leo Brincat (The Malta Independent 12/08/2008) read more...

Contract for south sewage treatment plant signed
The contract for the construction of the south sewage treatment plant has been signed between the Director of Contracts with the Water Services Corporation as the beneficiary and the consortium Degremont/CCC/CMR.
(The Malta Independent 12/08/2008) read more...

Remains of fortress found below Mdina bastions
A set of fortifications dating back between 200 and 400 years, which lie close to the D'Homedes Bastions in Mdina and were unearthed recently during excavations, are being carefully restored under the watchful eye of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.
(The Malta Independent 12/08/2008) read more...

Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Valletta (36)
The Hook at Triq San Ġwann
(The Times 12/08/2008) read more...

Visitors centre taking shape at Ħaġar Qim
'Nothing is larger than it needs to be'
(The Times 12/08/2008) read more...

Part of mediaeval tower unearthed in Mdina
Excavation works in Mdina have exposed part of a semi-circular mediaeval tower which was buried by the Order of the Knights of St John who reigned over the island between 1530 and 1798.
(The Times 12/08/2008) read more...

Plans for a more uniform look to Valletta streets
Old cities' rehabilitation committees restructured
(The Times 12/08/2008) read more...

Extension of St John's museum
St John's Co-Cathedral houses Malta's finest art treasures, and its splendour and historical importance test the limits of the lexicon.
Editorial (The Times 11/08/2008) read more...

Scandal and outrage at St John’s
It is still rather premature to speak at this point about the proposal for a visitors’ interpretation centre at St John’s in the midst of so much clamour, and when the concrete proposals themselves have not yet been made public.
(The Independent on Sunday 10/08/2008) read more...

The Independent planning watch
The San Gwann Local Council made a development application to regularise its administrative operations that were being carried out in a villa for the last 11 years without an official planning permit.
Robert Musumeci (The Independent on Sunday 10/08/2008) read more...

Mepa refusal to permit steel tower on MLP HQ claimed to be discriminatory
In a nice touch of irony, a PN candidate, acting in a private capacity, had to be the one to point out to Mepa that refusing an application to set up a steel structure for the broadcasting of TV programmes and mobile phone base stations on top of the MLP headquarters in Hamrun, was tantamount to discrimination given that the PN headquarters just down the road has just this sort of steel structure.
(The Independent on Sunday 10/08/2008) read more...

St Paul's Chapel restored
St Paul's Chapel in Attard has been under restoration for the past three years.
Reno Saliba (The Times 10/08/2008) read more...

Alternattiva applauds moves to protect Ta' Ċenċ
Alternattiva Demokratika has welcomed the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage's suggestion to schedule the entire Ta' Ċenċ area but insisted that talks need to be backed up by targeted funding.
(The Times 10/08/2008) read more...

AD supports call for appeal on Fort Cambridge development
Alternattiva Demokratika said it was foursquare behind the call of Sliema residents, NGOs, and councillors in favour of an appeal by Sliema local council against the Malta Environment and Planning Authority’s decision for the development at Fort Cambridge.
(The Malta Independent 09/08/2008) read more...

Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Valletta (35)
Lion on column
(The Times 09/08/2008) read more...

FAA calls for interim measures while Mepa undergoes reform
The placing of the citizen's well-being at the centre of reform at the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa) was the main thrust of discussion at a meeting between Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) on one side and the Prime Minister and Mepa chairman Austin Walker on the other.
(The Times 08/08/2008) read more...

Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Valletta (34)
Fountain, now located in St Philip's Garden in Floriana
(The Times 07/08/2008) read more...

St Thomas Tower ‘transferred’ to foundation
The St Thomas Tower (Torri ta’ San Tumas) at Marsascala has passed into the hands of the heritage society Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna whose chairman, Mario Farrugia, yesterday signed a transfer agreement for it with Jason Azzopardi, parliamentary secretary for revenues and land.
(The Malta Independent 05/08/2008) read more...

Mepa caseload nears 5,000
The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa) decided 605 applications in July and received 545 new applications.
(The Malta Independent 05/08/2008) read more...

Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Valletta (33)
De Rohan fountains in Misraħ San Ġorġ
(The Times 05/08/2008) read more...

Mepa schedules ex-military buildings, chapels, towers and villas
The Malta Environment and Planning Authority scheduled 31 properties last month, affording them legal protection
(The Times 05/08/2008) read more...

Architects welcome government's commitment to reform Mepa
The Kamra tal-Periti (Chamber of Architects) has welcomed the government's commitment to undertake what it said were the necessary and much desired reforms to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa).
(The Times 05/08/2008) read more...

4,835 pending cases at Mepa
The Malta Environment and Planning Authority last month decided 605 applications and received 545 new applications.
(The Times 05/08/2008) read more...

Heritage foundation takes over St Thomas Tower
St Thomas Tower in Marsascala has been entrusted to the heritage organisation Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna (FWA).
(The Times 05/08/2008) read more...

FAA discusses urgent environment measures at Castile
The importance of placing the citizen and his well being at the centre of Mepa reform was the main thrust of Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar’s discussions during a recent cordial meeting with the Prime Minister and Mepa chairman Austin Walker.
(The Independent on Sunday 03/08/2008) read more...

Safeguarding the St John’s Co-Cathedral and its treasures
The proposed extension of the museum of St John’s Co-Cathedral is specifically intended to safeguard and protect the fabric and treasures of the Co-Cathedral and, above all, to preserve and safeguard the Co-Cathedral itself, the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation has stated.
(The Independent on Sunday 03/08/2008) read more...

Valletta’s two main squares in a state of chaos next year
Valletta’s two main squares – Palace Square, otherwise known as St George’s Square, and St John’s Square – will be in a shambles for most of next year due to huge projects, which, if current applications to Mepa are approved, will be embarked on.
(The Independent on Sunday 03/08/2008) read more...

Extension to St John's will 'safeguard' treasures
The primary aim of the proposed extension of the St John's Co-Cathedral museum is to safeguard the popular Valletta tourist attraction and its treasures, according to the church's foundation.
(The Times 03/08/2008) read more...

Cruise liner buoy for Xlendi
The permits required in connection with berthing facilities for cruiseliners at Xlendi Bay have been issued by MEPA, said Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono during a visit to Xlendi.
(The Malta Independent 02/08/2008) read more...

Time Up - A Green Agenda
Transport reform: Assessing impacts
Carmel Cacopardo (The Times 02/08/2008) read more...

Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Valletta (32)
Ponsomby's Column
(The Times 02/08/2008) read more...

Mepa gives graeen light for cruise liner berths at Xlendi
Mepa has issued permits for two berths for cruise liners at a buoy off Xlendi, Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono said during a visit to the coastal village yesterday.
(The Times 02/08/2008) read more...

Mepa should become more transparent and customer-friendly – GRTU
The Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises is calling for a more transparent and efficient Malta Environment and Planning Authority, which should include the fusion of the Development Planning Act and the Environmental Act into one entity.
(The Malta Independent 01/08/2008) read more...

Extensive restoration project for Cittadella
The Cittadella fortifications in Gozo will benefit from a restoration project partially financed through the European Regional Development Fund.
(The Malta Independent 01/08/2008) read more...

St John's Co-Cathedral museum extension
Foundation asks Mepa to draw up EIA terms of reference
(The Times 01/08/2008) read more...

GRTU spells out its vision for Mepa
The Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises (GRTU) wants the Malta Environment and Planning Authority to be transformed into an authority that inspires confidence, is fair, transparent, consistent, efficient and pro-active and is not influenced by political pressure.
(The Times 01/08/2008) read more...

Mepa reform
Solutions are not easy - Gonzi
(The Times 01/08/2008) read more...

Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Valletta (31)
The Boom Defence
(The Times 31/07/2008) read more...

Mepa reform: PM, Mepa chairman in consultation with GRTU
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and the chairman of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa), Austin Walker, yesterday held the first in a series of seven meetings with constituted bodies and NGOs on the Mepa reform.
(The Malta Independent 30/07/2008) read more...

Gonzi in listening mode on Mepa reform
The Prime Minister has embarked on the "long, complicated" reform process of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority and is this week meeting six organisations to hear their views.
(The Times 30/07/2008) read more...

Mepa State of the Environment Indicators 2007
The Malta Environment and Planning Authority’s (Mepa) State of the Environment Indicators report has shown that nitrate levels at nine out of the 13 Water Services Corporation (WSC) groundwater abstraction boreholes, exceed the EU standard
(The Malta Independent 29/07/2008) read more...

Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Valletta (30)
Church of St Anne
(The Times 29/07/2008) read more...

Owners request revocation of scheduling of land at Villa Bologna
The owners of a parcel of land forming part of Villa Bologna, in Attard, yesterday filed an appeal with the Planning Appeals Board requesting the revocation of a decision through which their land has been scheduled
(The Times 29/07/2008) read more...

Energy performance of buildings directive
Directive 2002/91/EC of the European Parliament and Council on energy efficiency of buildings was adopted on December 16, 2002, and came into force on January 4, 2003.
Alan Abela (The Sunday Times 27/07/2008) read more...

More ODZs on virgin land
During May, 14 per cent of outside development zone (ODZ) applications (17 out of 123) submitted to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority proposed extending the development boundaries further out onto uncommitted land.
Alan Deidun (The Sunday Times 27/07/2008) read more...

Daunting restoration project for DLĦ
Work continues in earnest by Din l-Art Ħelwa during summer on one of its most challenging restoration projects so far - St Anthony's Battery at Qala Point, Gozo.
(The Sunday Times 27/07/2008) read more...

Concrete monstrosity in Dwejra still standing
Alternattiva Demokratika has condemned the "concrete monstrosity" which continues to mar Dwejra, even though the development was halted by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority four months ago.
(The Sunday Times 27/07/2008) read more...

FAA worried about development at St John’s Co-Cathedral
The environment body Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) expressed “extreme concern” about two development applications in connection with St John’s Co-Cathedral which, it said, “show a great insensitivity to the importance and the fragility of St John’s Co-Cathedral, the gem of Malta’s UNESCO World Heritage Site”.
(The Malta Independent 26/07/2008) read more...

Mepa and the architect
Article 39 A (1) of the Development Planning Act
Simon Micallef Stafrace (The Malta Independent 25/07/2008) read more...

Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Valletta (26)
St Andrews Scots church
(The Times 26/07/2008) read more...

More enforcement action over encroachment permits
Enforcement officers from the Lands Department have removed metal and wooden signs a St Julians restaurant illegally placed on government property, The Times has learnt.
(The Times 26/07/2008) read more...

Foundation would never risk damage to St John's Co-Cathedral
The St John's Co-Cathedral Foundation said yesterday it would never risk any real or potential damage to the Co-Cathedral or any of its possessions
(The Times 26/07/2008) read more...

Application for three-storey building near St John's Co-Cathedral
Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar yesterday expressed concern about development application PA 00167/08 dealing with an extension at St John's Co-Cathedral Museum in Valletta.
(The Times 26/07/2008) read more...

Unsustainable development in Sliema
Environmental NGO Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) together with members of the Sliema Local Council, yesterday voiced their concerns over a MEPA permit for the demolition of a block of six town houses to build apartments and underlying garages.
(The Malta Independent 25/07/2008) read more...

Magic kiosk owner complains of unfair treatment, discrimination
Many may have drawn a sigh of relief at the news that the plug is being pulled on the Magic Kiosk but the owner of the establishment says the decision is unfair and discriminatory in his regard.
(The Times 25/07/2008) read more...

Sliema townhouses demolition
Mepa accused of breaching heritage law
(The Times 25/07/2008) read more...

Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Valletta (28)
Church of St James
(The Times 24/07/2008) read more...

Mayor says new Lija scheduling sets important precedent
Mepa's decision to schedule Lija's main avenue, rectifying an anomaly in the local plans, has set an important precedent for all of Malta, the town's mayor, Ian Castaldi Paris, said yesterday, encouraging other local councils not to be discouraged when taking on similar planning battles.
(The Times 24/07/2008) read more...

The end of the Magic Kiosk
Square to be restored to former glory
(The Times 24/07/2008) read more...

Energy performance of buildings
The Cabinet last Monday approved the publication of the legal notice on the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2008.
(The Times 23/07/2008) read more...

Daunting restoration project for ‘Din l-Art Helwa’
Work continues in earnest by Din L-Art Helwa during these summer months on one of its most challenging restoration projects so far, that of St Anthony’s Battery at Qala Point in Gozo.
(The Times 22/07/2008) read more...

MLP calls for strengthening of Mepa auditor’s office
It was shameful that the government had run a crusade against the office of the auditor of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority who now found himself in a position in which he could not carry out his duties, Roderick Galdes, Labour Party spokesman on planning said. This Mepa structure urgently needed to be strengthened, he said.
(The Times 22/07/2008) read more...

Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Valletta (27)
Garrison church
(The Times 22/07/2008) read more...

The public and its space
In the second week of July, the forces of law and order took action against various cafés and other establishments, removing any tables, chairs and other street furniture that had been placed in public areas without permission. It was not the first time that such action has been taken this summer. It will not be the last.
Jason Azzopardi (The Times 21/07/2008) read more...

Restoration of St Anthony's Battery
Work continues in earnest during the hot months on one of Din l-Art Ħelwa's most challenging restoration projects so far, that of St Anthony's Battery at Qala Point.
(The Times 21/07/2008) read more...

Lija residents celebrate as main avenue is listed
Developers seek compensation
(The Times 20/07/2008) read more...

Board approves most of architect's applications despite refusal advice
Most of the planning applications submitted by an architect member of a Development Control Commission, which had been recommended for refusal by Mepa's technical experts, were later approved, a Gozo court heard.
(The Times 30/06/2008) read more...