Momentum Calls For Demolition Of Swieqi Halland Project After Court Revokes Permit

Political party Momentum has called for the demolition of the Halland development in Swieqi following a Court of Appeal judgment revoking the project’s permits. The court overturned the permits for…

Political party Momentum has called for the demolition of the Halland development in Swieqi following a Court of Appeal judgment revoking the project’s permits.

The court overturned the permits for the large scale project that aimed to replace the former Halland Hotel with a 10 storey residential complex overlooking Ibraġ and Wied Għomor. The judges found that the Planning Authority and the Environmental and Planning Review Tribunal acted arbitrarily by selectively applying one planning policy while disregarding another that was equally applicable.

The ruling stated that planning policies cannot be picked and chosen to suit a particular development.

Momentum said the judgment confirms what residents and civil society had argued from the start, that the development breached fundamental planning principles.

The project dates back to 2018, when Halland Developments Ltd, forming part of the Tumas Group led by Yorgen Fenech, was granted a permit to redevelop the former hotel into a large residential block. At the time, Johann Buttigieg was serving as Executive Chairman of the Planning Authority.

In 2019, media reports revealed WhatsApp exchanges between Fenech and Buttigieg, in which Buttigieg was allegedly taking instructions from Fenech and expressing interest in doing business with him while still serving in his public role.

Following these revelations, Arnold Cassola filed a complaint with the Permanent Commission Against Corruption, chaired by Joseph Quintano. The commission did not proceed with action against Buttigieg.

Momentum said the half built structure now stands as a symbol of systemic failure and warned that court rulings must be enforced in practice.

The party argued that in other democracies, unlawfully approved buildings have been ordered demolished to reinforce the principle that no developer is above the law. It called for immediate enforcement action in line with the court ruling, including demolition of the structure, and for a clearer framework to resolve policy conflicts within local plans.

Momentum General Secretary Mark Camilleri Gambin said the case should serve as an example for restoring integrity to Malta’s planning system and ensuring the law applies equally to all.

“Momentum remains committed to defending the beauty of our island, calling for the removal of illegal developments and standing with residents to uphold the rule of law,” he said.

•

Read the full article at the original source