Anġlu Xuereb removing illegal structure in Valletta

Works have started on the demolition of an illegal structure on top of a Valletta palazzo in Merchants Street which is planned to be turned into a boutique hotel by construction magnate Anġlu Xuereb. A spokesman for the Planning Authority confirmed to Times of Malta that following an enforcement order issued against Mr Xuereb last year, works are now underway to demolish “the illegal roof structure at 167, Merchants Street, corner with St Christopher Street”. The Planning Authority said that the works were being carried by the contravener. Originally, Mr Xuereb had applied for the replacement of a dangerous roof at Palazzo Merkanti and was issued with a simple development notification so that the works could be carried out expediently. However, soon after the works started, some neighbours noticed that the developer was not only replacing the roof but also building an entire new floor structure and making various other interventions, including on the facade and internally. Intervening, the authority ordered a stop to all works and asked Mr Xuereb to file a fresh application to cover additional development and sanction existing irregularities. However, despite this order, a...