NGOs want to appeal db tower decision, but face huge funding problem

NGOs and local councils have agreed to try and file an appeal against the controversial approval of the db Group’s 37-storey St George’s Bay tower, but there remain fears a lack of funding may hamstring the attempts. Eight NGOs and the local councils of Pembroke, Swieqi and St Julian’s met last week and, according to those present, established that there were “solid legal grounds” and a desire from all parties to appeal the Planning Authority’s decision. However, objectors repeatedly emphasised the scale and difficulty of a potential appeal, raising doubts not only over whether the organisations’ limited funding and resources could stretch to cover the costs of a lengthy appeal process, expected to amount to around €20,000, but even over whether legal professionals could be found to take on the case. Andre Callus, a spokesman for Moviment Graffitti, one of the key objectors to the project, said the organisations would be meeting again on Wednesday to establish who would be willing to be involved in an appeal and potential sourcing of funds, with crowdfunding one of the options being considered. “Besides the €3,500 fee just to lodge the appeal, we’ll need a team of professionals...