The Environment and Planning Review Tribunal upheld a decision not to grant two planning applications on Tuesday, which if developed would have likely spelt doom for an enclave of preserved historic buildings on the Pietà seafront. The two applications, one to convert an old townhouse into offices and apartments and another to turn a residence into tourist accommodation, had both been rejected by the Planning Authority. The tribunal had the power to overturn these decisions. Both developments could have had a negative impact on a number of historical and scheduled buildings, including Villa Frere, Villa Medina, Giardino Zammittello and St Luke’s Hospital building, which is scheduled. In reaction, the NGO Friends of Villa Frere expressed satisfaction that the EPRT had upheld the decision, saying that "common sense had prevailed". "The owners of these properties should now focus on restoration and rehabilitation of these vernacular dwellings, and in this manner this enclave will become a sought-after low-density traditional residential area, set amidst a number of exquisite historic monuments," they said. "We shall keep striving to protect Villa Frere and its immediate...