The development intends to upgrade a guesthouse to a three-star hotel which would consist of in house amenities at basement level, an external recreation area and pool, and 40 accommodation hotel rooms from basement to second floor level. The site is on Triq Gorg Borg Olivier, Rabat.

The applicant is Brian Azzopardi backed by architect Joe Barbara.

The deadline to oppose these plans is tomorrow – Friday 27th February. If you want to object send an email to [email protected] with this information:

“I hereby object to PA/00862/25 – Serengeti, 15, 21, 23, Triq Gorg Borg Olivier, Rabat 80-bed hotel
This application violates the Rabat Local Plan which only allows small hotels which do not create impacts on the residential area. This project also violates Policy NWTO 1 which specifies that the overall project is consistent with the character of the area and shall not cause a detrimental community impact by unacceptable levels of increased volume of traffic, noise and bad neighbourliness, while complying with standards for off-street parking, coach parking and alighting. This project violates this policy on many points:

1. The development sited by an Archaeological Site of a Bronze Age settlement, in an Urban
Conservation characterized by old townhouses, therefore is out of character with the surroundings.
2. The project will destroy a large garden, causing soil-sealing, in violation of SPED regulations.
3. During construction and operation, the development will greatly exacerbate traffic, noise and
parking issues. With only 32 parking bays nearby, the increase of up to 40 guest vehicles, plus staff
and events guests’ cars, will make parking in the surroundings impossible.
4. Without coach parking facilities, the stopping of coaches will lead to chaotic traffic in GBO Str.,
which is already jammed regularly.
5. Arrivals/departures at all times of day and night will disturb residents, plus there are no bays for
unloading supplies, laundry, etc. Furthermore, the generation of SOnoise and light from events,
from the bar, swimming pool and patio areas, also from air conditioning units and extractor fans,
will be highly disturbing to neighbouring residents. Both light and noise pollution are now known to
have long-term health implications.

Infrastructure: George Borg Olivier Street has had frequent drainage and electricity supply issues recently and a hotel’s high consumption of energy and water will exacerbate these infrastructural problems.

Social and Cultural impacts: The generation of noise from an adjacent hotel will disturb the quiet and peaceful environment necessary for the therapy of youngsters with special needs at the Dar Saura hub for children with disabilities. Villa Lugisland, a Grade 1 Historic Property is being restored for artists to be inspired by the beauty of this gem and its peaceful surrounding gardens; heavy traffic and noisy events will undermine the very concept of this multimillion restoration.

PA 862/25 is incompatible with the logistic, social and environmental characteristics of the area, is going to undermine the quality of life of residents, and should be refused outright.”

Will you be objecting to this application?