Kyle Patrick Camilleri
A petition against the development of a three-star hotel on Triq Gorg Borg Olivier, in Rabat, Malta has been launched online.
The planning application in question (PA/00862/25) proposes the extension of an already approved guesthouse with an adjacent property, and changing the site’s designation from a guesthouse to a 3-star hotel, with internal and external alterations. It reads that the proposed 3-star hotel shall consist of inhouse amenities at basement level, external recreation area and pool, and 40 accommodation hotel rooms from basement till second floor level.
According to documentation filed by the Malta Tourism Authority in relation to this application, the 40 rooms will accommodate 80 beds.
The project, which is still pending before the Planning Authority, is set to be three storeys high, including ground level.
The petition, which was launched on change.org, reads that the signatories are not against sustainable development, but that a 40-room hotel on this street is not right. The petition expresses concern at the use of the proposed outdoor bar, its potential use and noise it could bring. It also expresses concern over planned excavation in an archaeological area, and questions the impact on parking the project could have. It asks those who want to speak up against the application to file an objection.
Amongst the 100+ representations objecting to this development, one came from the NGO Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA).
FAA noted that the proposed application “violates the Rabat Local Plan which only allows small hotels which do not create impacts on the residential area.”
The NGO has stated that the project will destroy a large garden, causing soil-sealing, in violation of SPED regulations. It says that this project will be out of character to the rest of its surroundings, which mostly consists of old townhouses within an Urban Conservation Area (UCA).
FAA also highlights parking issues. In its official objection sent to the Planning Authority, FAA said that “with only 32 parking bays nearby, the increase of up to 40 guest vehicles, plus staff and events guests’ cars, will make parking in the surroundings impossible.”
FAA and other objectors also expressed concern that the constant movement of the hotel’s guests will disturb residents, mainly through light and noise pollution.
In this regard, FAA observed the noise generated from the completed hotel will not only disturb the “quiet and peaceful environment” enjoyed by residents, but also by youths with special needs who require such surroundings at Dar Saura – a hub for children with disabilities.
Also, the FAA also remarked that this project will undermine the multimillion-euro restoration of Villa Luginsland nearby, saying that heavy traffic and noisy events will undermine the very concept of this multimillion restoration.
The NGO described that this proposed hotel application “is incompatible with the logistic, social and environmental characteristics of the area, is going to undermine the quality of life of residents, and should be refused outright.”
