'Victory' for Sliema residents who opposed kebab shop's tables and chairs plans
A Sliema restaurant’s bid for outdoor tables and chairs has been rejected in a “victory” for residents battling against the take-up of public space in their neighbourhood. The Planning Commission board found that the proposed extension of outdoor catering over the pavement and parking spaces within the residential zone on Tower Road, corner with Amery Street and Luzju Lane, would negatively impact the area. Application PA/06496/21 had also proposed alterations to the façade of Kebab Bistro and the sanctioning of others, but it was turned down unanimously last week. The commission found that the proposal conflicted with the planning policy, which sets standards for outdoor catering areas on public open spaces. According to the North Harbour Local Plan, the site looks out onto a designated residential area, the board pointed out. Food and drink establishments were not permitted there in principle and, therefore, the proposed outdoor tables and chairs would further intensify this activity. The refusal to sanction a “very unpleasant 11-metre-high screen, bulging out over one-and-a-half metres from the rear wall of the 90-year-old Britannia Building on Tower Road” was also welcomed...