Mepa to reconsider controversial permit issued for Sliema room

Updated 4.30 p.m. Mepa decided today that it will reconsider the controversial permit for an extra room built on top of an old Sliema townhouse. The decision was taken by the planning authority board this afternoon during an informal discussion that was not open to the public. The room on a corner house in Rudolph Street sticks out like a sore thumb when compared to the neighbouring houses and was harshly criticized by residents, architects and the public. A spokesman for the Authority confirmed the permit will be discussed under Article 77 of the Development Planning Act. The reconsideration of the permit will take place during a public hearing. Formerly known as Article 39A, the clause gives the planning authority the right to revoke permits in particular circumstances, such as when wrong information is given to the authority. The Times of Malta reported earlier today that the board had an internal recommendation to withdraw the permit granted last year after various breaches were found during a planning investigation. One of the breaches is that wrong information was presented to the planning authority when the planning application was filed, according to the sources.