The central city of Mosta is known for its many green lungs – protected zones that provide the densely populated area with much needed fresh air. But, thanks to a recently approved hotel development project, one ‘green enclave’ is set to become a little smaller. 

According to news reports, the four-storey boutique hotel, which will replace a townhouse on Triq-il-Kbira, will include a lobby, entertainment area and pool area, which will eat into a green area located close to the famed Mosta Dome. The gardens of the existing townhouse are located alongside Villa Golcher gardens.

The application was initially recommended for refusal since the local plan excludes development in green enclaves, but it has now been approved by the Planning Authority, following fresh plans to increase the landscaping and retain a rubble wall in the garden.

Still, the latest plans have been met with criticism, as it has been reported that only 37sq.m of the existing 135sq.m site will be kept as a landscaped area – going above the 15 per cent of the site area permitted by policy guidelines.

How will this loss impact the city?