3 comments so far.Xlendi development: PA approves first phase with demolition of hotel
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Moviment Graffitti has said that the Planning Authority, on Tuesday approved the first phase of a development application in Xlendi – the demolition of a hotel, to make way for a new proposed 13-storey hotel.
In September, the NGO called on the Planning Authority “to see reason” on the Xlendi development saga and to “stop the uglification of Gozo.”
This application – PA 04587/20 proposes the first phase of a project which will see the demolition of Hotel Xlendi and the subsequent excavation of the site. A second phase of the project is indicating the intention to build a 4 star hotel together with 5 levels of parking.
The NGO stated that “this decision was justified on the grounds that the applicant is only applying for the demolition of the current site. The second phase of the application, concerning the construction of a huge 13-storey hotel, is not relevant at this stage and any objections made in this regard are invalid.”
The NGO added that, “everyone knows that this is a laughing stock, and that the approval of the first phase will pave the way for the approval of the second phase.”
The activist group argued that, “worse still, the vote of the panel which was chaired by Claude Mallia ,was taken before the large number of residents and the Local Council who attended and who are concerned about this development had made their interventions against this application.
“Their interventions and concerns were made in vain and fell on deaf ears because the decision had already been made,” the NGO said.
Moviment Graffitti explained that the residents and the Local Council spoke about how this application needs to be “considered holistically, and that it is utterly ridiculous that the Planning Authority continues to insist on proceeding in this senseless manner.”
Last September, Gozo NGO Wirt Ghawdex had also expressed its concern to the Planning Authority regarding the two development proposals for Xlendi.
In a statement, it said that these “two extensive proposals” are adjacent to each other and, it warned, if approved, “will change the aesthetics and the character of the picturesque bay of Xlendi forever.”
Wirt Ghawdex argued that, the “massiveness of the two proposed developments is completely out of proportion with the size of Xlendi Bay.”
Wirt Ghawdex `image’ was taken from a representation in PA 03838/20 showing Xlendi superimposed approximately with elevation of projects presented for approval to the Planning Authority; PA 06676/16 in dark red – already approved by PA and being built; PA 04587/20 in yellow/orange and PA 03818/20 in red.
What on earth are the planning authorities thinking of with this monstrosity. Xlendi has already been ruined from the beautiful little fishing village I fell in love with in 1991 and have visited every year up to 2019. It has changed beyond recognition and this will be the final nail in the coffin, you will have turned it into a mini Benidorm that no one will want to visit. Sadly I have to say that I may never return.
I am surprised how these NGOs just showed CONCERNS. What concern? I say that if the people from the main island want to ruin our island we will not let them. Just on this issue this blasphemous deed merits Gozitans to legally asks for independence from the Main Island on the basis that we have had enough of the managing of our affairs from Malta. If not independence let PA not only have a stooges office in Gozo but be utterly independent from Malta’s PA.
Gozo belongs to the whole Maltese population, but it is home for those who live on it. We elect the Parliament to take care of us and our environment and not to abuse our treasure. Xlendi Hotel should be left as is and leave the residents to have a good summer. First Covid, now demolishment.
So much more to say, but I hope that someone with guts will step up and stop this mega destruction of the most picturesque place in Gozo, dear to all of us.
Stop this madness before it is too late .