The Environment and Resources Authority has given its green light to the demolition and redevelopment of the Mellieħa Bay Hotel, despite its two-fold increase in size and experts' concerns about its environmental impacts. When the board met to discuss its position on Friday, the consultants of the environmental impact assessment said the project was going to have major impacts on its surroundings, including the loss of a considerable number of trees as well as excessive noise levels during the construction phase. The developers are proposing a batching plant on site to facilitate the construction process. The site, spanning 16.3 hectares, was acquired from the government in 1963 through a 150-year emphyteusis. The hotel had been in operation between 1969 and October 2019, in anticipation of the eventual redevelopment. The owners, Mizzi Group of Companies, have applied to demolish the hotel and construct a luxury complex in its place. Prior to its closure, the hotel comprised 313 guest rooms, together with amenities including food and beverage outlets, conference facilities, two outdoor swimming pools, an indoor pool, surface carparks and two tennis courts. The application sought...