Planning Commission rejects request to sanction illegal Valletta receded floor

The Planning Commission has turned down a planning application request to sanction the top receded floor of a block of offices in Republic street Valletta.

The Commission cited that the development was obstructing and dwarfing  the view of the dome and adjacent belfry of grade 1 Church dedicated to St Francis.  

The commission pointed out that sanctioning such a development will negatively impact the Valletta skyline, which holds a UNESCO World Heritage status.

The receded floor which was proposed to be used as additional office space was served with an enforcement notice by the Authority in 2016. A daily fine is being imposed on the contravenor.

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage objected to the sanctioning of this development.