Valley building application opposed

Mosta local council, environmental NGOs and Alternattiva Demokratika have warned that another area in Wied il-Ghasel would be destroyed if the Malta Environment and Planning Authority granted permits for development on a stretch of land overlooking the valley.

The owners of the plot, situated just under the bridge in Constitution Street and opposite Casa Arkati, have filed an application to build an old people's home.

The local council, Nature Trust, Alternattiva Demokratika and the Graffitti movement, along with a large number of Mosta residents, are calling on the authority to abide by the development scheme, as the plot falls outside it.

Speaking on the site recently, Mosta mayor Joe de Martino said the local council was not against the building of an old people's home, but argued that there were alternative sites available.

AD chairman Harry Vassallo, who was present for the meeting, said Alternattiva supported the residents' plea and was against any development outside the scheme.

It was pointed out that there has been quarrying at the end of the valley, and that to make matters worse, a number of illegal constructions had gone up over the years.

Mosta local council and Nature Trust are expected to apply for European Union money to rehabilitate Wied il-Ghasel.