Plans to reconstruct ‘ruin’ next to Mdina bastions

Plans have been submitted to reconstruct the heavily weathered ruins of roofless agricultural rooms constructed over two levels before 1967, just below the Mdina bastions.  

Din l-Art Helwa area objecting to the proposed development, saying that although in its current state of ruin the buildings are “inconspicuous”, if rebuilt they would clash with the fortifications, creating an eyesore.

The environmental organization is also pointing out that the room on the first floor was a later addition and insisted that no newly built structure should be allowed to obstruct the fortifications of Mdina.  

A different opinion was expressed by MEPA’s Heritage Advisory Panel, now chaired by retired magistrate Dennis Montebello. According to the HAC, since the structure is quite old it can also be considered to form part of the landscape, including the fortifications.

The panel added that it has no objection as long as the existing footprint and height of building is maintained, and called on the applicant to use the existing weathered stone in the restored structure.

The application was presented by Brian Azzopardi, who is being assisted by architect and government advisor Robert Musumeci. Only last week MEPA controversially sanctioned an agriculture store in the vicinity of Mdina opposed by both the Planning and Environment Directorates, the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage and the Agriculture Advisory Committee. Musumeci was also the architect representing the owner of the development.