|
James Debono
The Malta Environment and Planning Authority has refused an application by Charles Polidano to erect a tower crane next to the Preluna Hotel on the same site where another tower crane has been standing since July 2003.
According to MEPA, the permit for the tower crane dwarfing the Preluna Hotel was only valid for six months.
Apart from applying for the re-erection of a tower, which was never removed, Polidano has also applied to construct additional flats over the same block of apartments for whose construction the crane was used.
Preluna Hotel owner Joe Preca, who said the crane is a visual disturbance, has threatened judicial action against both the Sliema local council and Polidano Brothers if the crane is not removed.
The new Sliema mayor Marina Arrigo intervened by writing to Polidano asking for the removal of the crane, if it lacks the necessary permits. “I am in contact with both Mr Preca and Mr Polidano. Polidano promised me that he will give an answer by next Tuesday.”
Polidano is claiming that the crane has been retained for the past three years because the work is still unfinished.
The tower crane saga coincides with the publication of the sustainable development strategy which lambastes contractors for leaving construction sites partly finished for an unduly long time. It also makes recommendations to ensure better management of building sites.
jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt
|
