The Qormi Local Council formally objected to a planning application, PA/07217/24, submitted to the Planning Authority – proposing a three-star hotel development in the ‘Tal-Blat’ area.
The proposed site is located between Triq il-Blata and Triq Dun Rene’ Cilia, just behind the historical Santa Marija Chapel. The council pointed out that this has always been considered one of the quietest areas in Qormi, steeped in history with the 17th-century chapel and a handful of residents, most of whom are farmers.
They emphasised the importance of preserving this rare, peaceful part of the town and keeping it as authentic as possible.
The Council added that the proposed hotel site is a sensitive residential zone and, therefore, not fit for a hospitality venture. They say the development contravenes local planning regulations and would disrupt the quiet residential character of the area.
Besides objecting to the hotel project, the council is also opposing a related proposal that would change the designation of agricultural land in the area to a road. The council warns that such a change would further erode the already limited green spaces in Qormi, which they described as the town’s “last remaining lungs.”
These are the reasons why the Local Council is pressuring the Planning Authority to reject these proposals for the sake of maintaining historical and environmental integrity.
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