Five environment NGOs are objecting to a planning application seeking to demolish and reconstruct the abandoned Festaval Hotel in Mellieħa. BirdLife Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Friends of the Earth Malta (FoE Malta), The Ramblers’ Association of Malta and Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) have all submitted separate objections to the application. The Mellieħa local council also objected to the plans saying that due to the ecologically sensitive nature of the area, reconstructing the hotel was not a possible way forward for the site. Mizzi Estates filed a planning application last month seeking to demolish the abandoned hotel and reconstruct “the same” hotel structure “in line with today’s standards and requirements”. According to the application, this will include five above-ground levels consisting of a reception area, hotel rooms, a pool, restaurants, back of the house, parking spaces and other ancillary facilities that may be required by the hotel. Abandoned for decades, the property was originally a self-catering holiday complex designed by Richard England, nestled in the landscape of the Mellieħa countryside just below the iconic Red Tower. 'Site within Natura 2000 area' In its...
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