Momentum condemns latest attempt to sanction DB Group’s lido in St George’s Bay
Momentum condemns the latest application by db Group seeking to sanction the excavation of existing rock and a concrete platform in front of the boathouses at St George’s Bay, while also extending the existing area for lido and pool deck.
This application is another example of the dangerous “develop now, sanction later” culture that has taken hold in Malta’s planning system. Rather than ensuring that all necessary permissions are secured before works commence, the public is once again faced with a situation in which works are reported to have taken place, and the developer is subsequently seeking to regularise and extend the development.
Momentum has repeatedly raised concerns about the proposed development at St George’s Bay, including the use of public coastal land, the demolition of historic boathouses, and the need for transparency regarding the legal status of the site. In December 2025, Momentum submitted a Freedom of Information request seeking information about the ownership, concessions, encroachments, and other arrangements relating to the site. In January 2026, Momentum called for the protection of the historic boathouse and a full heritage assessment before irreversible works could take place.
Yet, despite the concerns raised by Momentum, the Government and Opposition have remained silent throughout this process. Their silence is particularly troubling when public coastal land and the enforcement of planning rules are at stake.
Dr Matthew Agius, member of Momentum’ executive committee, said, “The public continue to submit representations against planning applications, hoping that their concerns will be heard and properly considered. But when those representations appear to fall on deaf ears, and when works move forward before the planning process is fully resolved, it is understandable that people begin to lose faith in the system. No one should feel that submitting a representation is a wasted exercise.”
The latest application, PA/05423/26, concerns the sanctioning of excavation of existing rock and a concrete platform in front of the boathouses, lido and pool deck area. Momentum is calling on the Planning Authority not to allow for the sanctions and issue fines and legal action against the developer.
The deadline for members of the public to submit representations against this application is today, 22 September 2026. Momentum urges citizens to make their voices heard before the deadline. People are urged to send their representation against the sanctions to the Planning Authority by sending an email to [email protected], with the subject PA/05423/26 by today.
Watch videos of illegal works:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1881039439259411
https://www.facebook.com/reel/999356852517746
https://www.facebook.com/reel/992339456785268
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1236812128082017
https://www.facebook.com/reel/26451718404447089
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