'They'll look straight into my living room': hotel plans raise privacy concerns

An application to extend the Pergola Hotel in Mellieħa by three floors has raised privacy concerns among neighbours.
The four-star hotel, situated between Triq Snajjin, Triq Adenau and Triq Dun Franġisk Sciberras, is proposing the addition of fifth, sixth and seventh levels to its premises, giving it 72 more rooms, a rooftop garden and a swimming pool.

In an objection to the Planning Authority (PA), two residents of Triq Snajjin said  their third-floor apartment would be directly opposite the proposed swimming pool and roof garden.
“The increase in the height of the Pergola will affect our right to enjoy our property by blocking natural light,” they said.
“Guests and hotel staff will be able to see directly onto our terrace and property, violating our right to privacy, while increased noise from guests and smells from cooking will make spending time on our terrace or living area unpleasant.”
The planning application to raise the height of the Pergola Hotel and Spa. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli
The building works and proposed extension would have a negative effect on the traffic situation in the narrow road while, overall, the development would negatively affect the value of their...