The approval allows site preparation works to proceed, including landscaping, pre-construction surveys and the installation of hoarding, subject to a number of conditions. The decision follows criticism from environmental NGO Moviment Graffitti, which had urged ERA to refuse the permit while legal proceedings over the wider development remain ongoing. According to the company, all transplantation and removal works will be carried out under specialist ecological supervision during the winter months to maximise the chances of successful transplantation. The company also stressed that the permit approved by ERA relates solely to preliminary environmental and site preparation works. The proposed redevelopment of the former Comino Hotel site continues to face legal challenges from environmental organisations, with proceedings before the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal still unresolved.