Planning Commission approves hotel in Gharb square

The Planning Commission has approved an application which foresees a limited roof structure and an ODZ pool for a new 16 room boutique hotel and a restaurant. 

The application (PA/03239/24) presented by Jessica Mizzi foresees the development of hotel at 106–108, Triq il-Knisja, Għarb a few metres away from the parish church.

The decision followed revised submissions and conditions addressing issues related to building depth, roof structures, and site works.

The commission chaired by Martin Camilleri noted that the proposed depth of the development would not exceed 30 metres and reflected existing commitments in the area, as indicated in a block plan submitted by the applicant’s architect.

With regard to roof structure, the commission noted that revisions had been made to reduce their visual impact and to limit the formation of blank party walls. It was also noted that the extent of the building footprint lies within the development zone boundary, except for the pool and decking area, which were assessed in relation to the Rural Policy and Design Guidance (RPDG).

The approved design includes conditions requiring further amendments to drawings. These include the submission of revised plans showing an upper-level lift, with a slanted roof and an internal height not exceeding 2.4 metres.

The overall height of the lift structure, measured from the finished floor level of the second floor, is not to exceed 3.4 metres. Roof structures are to be finished in unrendered franka stone, in accordance with specified requirements.

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH), in a submission dated 29 April 2026, had reviewed updated documentation including works method statements and elevation drawings. While noting that the overall building depth remained unchanged and expressing preference for development respecting predominant building depth in the area, the SCH did not object to the proposed methodologies subject to conditions.

These conditions included requirements that replacement stone blocks match the original size and height, that cladding is not permitted, and that stone surfaces be finished fair-faced without sawmill marks.

The SCH also specified that no masonry blocks are to be hacked, mortar joints are not to be finished with wire brushing, and pointing is to be carried out using lime-based materials, excluding cementitious mortars, subject to trial patches.

Further conditions required that works follow the approved works method statement and elevation drawings, with any deviations to be approved on site by built heritage monitoring officers.

The SCH also required notification at least two weeks prior to commencement of works, and confirmed that the site would be subject to inspection. The architect remains responsible for structural integrity during works.

A bank guarantee of €1,200 was indicated for reinstatement of the cornice and masonry balcony.

The case officer’s report noted that, while SCH concerns regarding roof structures and building volume were acknowledged, similar developments exist in the area, citing five different permits issued between 2003 and 2022. It was also stated that the proposed roof structures are set back further than surrounding developments and are not visible from the street frontage.

Regarding the pool and decking area, the case officer noted that Policy 6.4 of the RPDG permits such facilities within curtilage of legally established dwellings, subject to area limitations of up to 75 square metres for combined pool and decking. It was stated that the proposed development complies with these parameters.