Continued excavation, demolition works in summer break done to ensure safety – BRO Head

A construction site under demolition and excavation on St Francis Street that appeared to be operating beyond certain exemption criteria has been granted a special extension as the pit, in its current state, could cause a safety concern should the area experience bad weather, Head of the Building Regulation Office  (BRO)Michael Ferris has told The Malta Independent.

This comes after pictures posted on social media indicated that workers  had already demolished the roof and facade of the property.

The newsroom had earlier reported a number of complaints from residents within the Sliema area who were dismayed by the continuation of demolition and excavation works in spite of the summer break.

The legal notice 295 of 2007, demolition and excavation works in designated tourist zones must stop between 15 June and 30 September. The idea behind it is to limit the environmental degradation, noise pollution, incessant dust and disruptive outcomes at a time of the year where Malta is flooded with tourists and locals back home for the summer.

The zones which are included in the summer break list are decided upon by the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), which reserves the right to redraw the boundaries whenever it sees fit.

Ferris confirmed that developers may seek an exemption but must apply with the BRO.

Exemptions are granted, Ferris explained, to properties that were not completely demolished or excavated prior to 15 June and posed a safety danger to the public.

 BRO officers visit the site for a technical examination in order to ascertain what needs to be done, and in what time frame, in order to ensure safety.

The MTA is informed of every exemption, and is required to perform a site visit whenever the development is close to a touristic establishment.

The exemption is granted, Ferris explained, to properties that were not completely demolished or excavated prior to 15 June and posed a safety danger to the public.

This, he said, is typically until the facade and roof is removed completely.

 

from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2u57Gp2
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