Sliema council objects to Qui-Si-Sana development

800m2 of pristine shoreline earmarked for sun-beds

James Debono, Malta Today 6 October 2013

The Sliema Local Council is objecting to a development of leisure facilities on 800 square meters of pristine rocky shoreline in Qui-Si-Sana just below the Qui-Si-Sana public garden.

The development is earmarked for “leisure development” which consists in lavatories, showers, an attendant’s area and rows of sun beds, which are set to cover the rocky shoreline.

The application was presented by hotelier Michael Stivala on 15 March, just three days after the general elections and was issued for public consultation on September 21.

“Such a project will deny full public access on to what is presently public land,” the council said in an official objection letter sent to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

The Sliema council described the site in question as a “stretch of pristine rocky coastline” made up of globerigina limestone and characterised by rocky pools, which are rich in marine flora and fauna.

The council also pints out that a World War II structure known as the coastal Artillery Search Light overlooks the site. Although the application does not impact on this recently restored historical monument, it would result in the destruction of its context.

The development is set to take place on public land but the application states that the owner of the site has already given consent to the proposed development.

“Sliema cannot afford to lose more of its coast for private development, something which contrasts with the Sliema local council’s efforts to make beaches “as clean and accessible as possible”, Green Party councillor Michael Briguglio said.