Valletta hotel applies to ‘regularise’ rooftop canopy

In another example of the ‘build now, sanction later’ mentality, the owners of the Iniala hotel, which overlooks St Barbara Bastions, have applied to regularise a rooftop canopy

5 June 2022, 9:17am
by James Debono

1 min read

The owners of the Iniala Harbour House Hotel overlooking St Barbara bastions have applied to regularise a “retractable glazed enclosure” on the property’s terrace.

The canopy structure which is used as a dining area was not part of the original permit of the hotel, which led to the impeccable restoration of the building, approved in 2016.

St Barbara Bastions is one of the most scenic locations in Valletta, overlooking the Grand Harbour.

The application presented by hotelier, philanthropist and TV celebrity Mark Weingard has angered residents while the PA’s advisory committee on design issues has expressed concern on the visual impact of the new structure in a UNESCO World Heritage site and an Area of High Landscape Value

Environmentalist and lawyer Claire Bonello has warned, “trying to sanction such an obscenity is beyond the pale”. She described the rooftop canopy as one, which is “out of context, mars the Valletta skyline and is in breach of relevant policies”.

A resident warned that approval of the roof top structure would set a precedent for other hotels to do the same.

James Debono is MaltaToday's chief reporter on environment, planning and land use issues, ...