Colonial-era pillbox on Qui-Si-Sana rooftop set for demolition

A colonial-era observation post set up on Sliema rooftop in the Qui-Si-Sana area is set for demolition to make way for a five-storey development.

The Malta Environment Planning Authority, which previously ignored the presence of the pillbox when approving previous permits on the same site, says that the historical relic only merited Grade 3 protection, which would allow its demolition.

MEPA insists it had consulted the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage before the  decision was taken.

What is striking in this case is that MEPA had failed to notice the presence of a historical coastal defence structure located at roof level of a five-storey residential building in Qui-Si-Sana, when issuing a permit for an additional three new storeys.

The Authority was only made aware of its existence after residents presented an objection.

In 2008, MEPA had already approved the development of three additional floors and an overlying penthouse, without noticing the existence of the protected pillbox. 

A subsequent permit was issued in 2010 for alterations to the new floors. Moreover, in 2012 the developer applied again to amend the approved plans proposing a subdivision of one of the new apartments.

It was only at this stage that the existence of the historical observation was noticed by MEPA, after it received a submission highlighting the presence of the pillbox. 

The case officer's report states that the presence of the pillbox was "not indicated in any of the drawings relating to this application or any other prior application on this site" and was only "brought to the attention of the directorate through the submission of a representation".

Subsequently, the Heritage Planning Unit decreed that the pillbox present on the roof should be preserved. The case officer therefore recommended a refusal of the latest application, insisting that its approval runs counter to the Structure Plan policy UCO13 which emphasises the need to protect buildings of architectural, historical and cultural heritage importance.

But subsequently, MEPA decided that the development should still be approved.

A MEPA spokesperson told MaltaToday that the MEPA Board had discussed whether this observation post merits protection.

MEPA sought advice from two competent bodies, namely the Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee and the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage. The advice of the CHAC was that since the structure was in such a bad state, prior to its removal and for historical purposes "it should be carefully documented".

On its part, the SCH advised that should the structure be protected it would merit a Grade 3 scheduling. The definition in the Structure Plan for Grade 3 building is that the structure has no historical importance and is of relatively minor architectural interest and that demolition may be permitted provided the replacement building is in harmony with its surroundings.

"The MEPA Board considered the advice that had been given and concluded that the observation post did not merit protection."