FAA slams request to strip Chalet and Qawra sites of public domain status

Environmental NGO Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar has strongly condemned a request to declassify three sites from the public domain, accusing the state of failing to conserve the environment for future generations. 

Times of Malta reported last year how the Planning Authority was running a public consultation on whether it should declassify the site at the Chalet in Sliema, as well as two sites in Qawra from the public domain, despite requests to transfer several sites into the public domain for the enjoyment of all remaining in limbo. 

The public consultation closed on Thursday. 

Plans for the two sites

The government recently published a call for proposals for the Sliema Chalet that asks prospective bidders to take on a 65-year lease with a minimum capital investment of €3.2 million.

The other two sites lie close to each other on the Qawra seafront and appear to be occupied by private lidos.

Last year, the PA approved an outline permit submitted by AX Hotels to redevelop the seaside lidos of the Sunny Coast Hotel, Luzzu and the Seashells resort to be integrated with a “network of pedestrian spaces” that include a promenade walk and piazzas. 

Ironic use of public domain law

In a...