Residents urged to object to proposed apartment complex in Paola’s UCA

Moviment Graffitti urged residents to object to a proposed 23-unit residential development in Paola’s historic core, warning that the project threatens the area’s historical character and could worsen traffic congestion.

The proposed development would replace existing houses and gardens in the locality’s Urban Conservation Area (UCA) with two maisonettes, 12 apartments, eight penthouses, and, finally, a house.

In a Facebook post, the NGO informed the public that objections can be submitted to the Planning Authority until 20 November under application PA/07261/26.

“If this massive complex is built, it will clash jarringly with the area's historical character, while also causing traffic congestion and posing very serious dangers during the construction phase,” it warned.

Moviment Graffitti also pointed to a separate development application in the area which was recently approved by the Planning Authority, prompting the Paola Local Council to file an appeal.

Following the appeal, Mayor Jason Silvio was hit with a precautionary freezing order that left his personal bank account frozen. The order was subsequently withdrawn by the developer following public pressure and the intervention of the State Advocate.

The NGO noted that two other development applications in the area are still being processed, but stressed that the objection period is currently open for application PA/07261/26.

It encouraged residents to submit their objections before the 20 November deadline.

Members of the public can submit objections by emailing [email protected], including the application number PA/07261/26 in the subject line.

Moviment Graffitti also published a sample objection that residents can use when submitting their concerns, available in the NGO’s Facebook post.