Updated | Court orders works on Balluta’s landmark St Ignatius villa, says PA

Works at villa Ignatius in St Julian's were ordered to be carried out by the courts, in a court sentence handed down last June, confirmed the Planning Authority.

The Authority went on to issue its consent only for works indicated in the court decision “as interpreted and directed by the nominated court expert who shall be the sole person to dictate the extent of works needed to be carried out in accordance with the court decision.”

The court expert, it added, will be required to submit a report for record purposes to the Authority on completion of works.

A 19th century painting of Balluta Bay, dominated by Villa St Ignatius (or 'Bel-Vedere').

Villa St Ignatius, which is on Scicluna Street in St Julians, forms part of a larger property which once housed the first Jesuit College on the island. 

Meanwhile, The Council of the Chamber of Architects joined Din l-Art Helwa, as well as Fondazzjoni ghal Ambjent Ahjar and the Sliema Heritage Society and called on authorities once again, “to be more resolute and effective in the protection of our historic built heritage.”

In a statement, they cast their doubts as to whether the approval covered all parts of the building which are being demolished and reminded the Planning Authority that the court order referred to “necessary remedial works.”

“It is evident that the works being undertaken go well beyond the Court’s order, and the Planning Authority is under a legal obligation to immediately halt such works,” they added.