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A St Julian’s building reported to police as dangerous by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is structurally stable, according to the architect responsible for the building.
But architect Anthony Fenech Vella said the danger was that debris could fall from the hoardings that needed to be changed.
Villa said he would have to apply for a full development permit to simply cordon off the building and prevent debris from falling onto the street and pedestrians passing by.
He said the previously issued hazardous structure (DS) permit was not possible as the permit was only valid for three months from the date of issuance of the permit.
“During those three months, you need a permit from the BCA, which means insurance and a condition report from the neighbors,” he said.
Among other requirements, an on-site technical officer is required, he said.
The legislation covering DS licenses specifically allows for the elimination of any immediate hazards on site.
The building on Triq Spinola received a DS structural permit in 2022 and twice in 2020, 2015 and 2012.
“I’m tired of applying for DS licenses,” Vera said.
He has now applied for full development consent (PA/01395/23) just to install the hoardings, a process that will take longer than obtaining DS consent.
Villa said the building will eventually need to be demolished, but for now it remains in a stable condition thanks to concrete blocks supporting the building and other interventions.
He said ongoing court cases with the building’s tenants have put demolition plans on hold.
A spokesman for the Building and Construction Authority said the authority was informed of the building’s condition on Thursday.
A video posted to social media on Wednesday highlighted the hazardous nature the building appeared to be in.
The BCA inspected the building and subsequently notified police and spoke to Vella.
Vera sent a statement to the Building and Construction Authority saying the building was stable.
A police spokesman said officers attended the scene and cordoned off the area.
A police spokesman said it was now up to the property owner to remedy the situation.
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