PA backtracks... and approves 12-storey Bay Street Hotel extension

The Planning Authority has approved plans for a 12-storey extension to the Bay Street Hotel on land leased from the Augustinian Order in Paceville, backtracking on its intention to throw out the proposal.The application had been headed for rejection after the PA board indicated its opposition at a hearing in December, amid concerns over its impact on the Grade 2 scheduled Augustinian Priory and the St Rita Chapel.Board members had also highlighted the impact on residents - particularly as the project is within a residential buffer zone - and traffic generation, and the lack of a masterplan to guide development in Paceville.But at a hearing on Thursday, the board voted by seven to four to approve the application after project architect Paul Camilleri presented tweaks to address these concerns, while insisting the development was in line with local plan policy.Tables and chairs were dropped from the proposed public plaza and improvements made to a planned drop-off zone for buses and taxis, to reduce traffic concerns.Watch: ‘Paceville masterplan was dropped for commercial interests’ - KTP head The architect argued that the St Rita Chapel itself constituted a buffer between the...