A 19th-century private garden in urban Sliema faces the PA chopping block

The fate of a Sliema townhouse and its mature garden remains in the balance as an application to replace the green enclave with 18 apartments and 32 garages lands on the Planning Authority board’s agenda again this week.

Following the case officer’s report, which had recommended PA/09273/19 for approval, the board will now decide whether the controversial permit should be approved, although the case could also be adjourned for further consultation.

The decision to grant the permit had been suspended until the Planning Commission’s site visit. But despite the periodical uploading of fresh plans for the property at 103, Manuel Dimech and Parisio streets, no attempt was made to preserve the mature garden, dating back to the mid-late 19th century, according to objector and architectural heritage practitioner Edward Said.

He has reiterated the garden’s “significant” botanical and ecological importance, adding “it is simply shocking that anyone could have the conscience to propose and endorse the destruction of an oasis such as this”.

An aerial view of the property, outlined in yellow. Image: Google Maps

Said had strongly objected to the planning application, saying it would result in...