'Lack of EIA counter to EU directives'

In a judicial protest filed yesterday in the First Hall of the Civil Court, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority was formally requested to carry out various impact assessments in respect of a development application for the Fort Cambridge Area, Tigné Road, Sliema.

The protest was filed by a number of residents of the locality against Mepa.

The residents pointed out that following the issue of a development brief, an application had been lodged with Mepa for the demolition of the existing hotel on the Fort Cambridge site, the restoration of the Cambridge Battery, the construction of six apartment blocks containing 386 flats and of four levels of underground parking, the provision of private service amenities and the change of use of the barracks to offices.

The development, as proposed, was going to seriously affect the Tignè peninsula and the residents of the locality, and it was, therefore, necessary for an environmental impact assessment to be carried out prior to the application's approval.

The residents said that this assessment was called for as a result of the size of the development and its effect on the locality in view of other large ongoing projects such as Midi Project and the former Union Club.

The development was going to generate pollution and would increase both noise levels and traffic in the vicinity.

They added that the development was proposed for an already densely populated area, and would negatively affect the landscape and open spaces of the area.

The project would also adversely affect the sewage system and the provision of water and electricity and infrastructure to the existing residents.

The fact that Mepa had already declared that there was no need for an environmental impact assessment was counter to the European Union directives.

Even though these directives were not yet transposed into local legislation, the government was still prohibited from legislating in a manner contrary to the directives.

The Council directive of June 28, 1985, clearly indicated the duty of the competent authorities to ensure that an environmental impact assessment was carried out when a project could have a large impact, as was this case.

The residents called upon Mepa to carry out the assessment and to carry out a traffic impact assessment and tests for emissions.

Mepa was also called upon to publish the findings so that the public could comment and ensure that their rights were protected.

Lawyer Simon Micallef Straface signed the protest.