The Planning Authority has refused a proposal to transform an 18th-century palazzo in the heart of Qormi into a boutique hotel, ruling that the planned development was too extensive for the historic site.The application proposed converting Palazzo tat-Tabib Maempel on Triq il-Kbira into tourist accommodation, alongside the demolition of derelict structures and the construction of new extensions.However, the proposal drew objections from the Qormi Local Council, residents and heritage activists.Earlier this month, the Planning Commission deferred its decision and instructed the applicant to submit revised plans that significantly reduced the scale of the development to comply with planning policies.At today’s meeting, the commission noted that no updated plans had been submitted, meaning the proposal remained unchanged.While the commission said converting the historic palazzo into a boutique hotel was acceptable in principle, it ruled that the proposed extensions and swimming pools were excessive and incompatible with the site’s location within an Urban Conservation Area.It also found the project breached planning policies designed to protect the historic character and setting of the property, ultimately refusing the application.•