AD objects to Mellieha high-rise development

Alternattiva Demokratika yesterday objected to a proposed high-rise development on Mellieha Ridge, saying it will create a huge and very visible eyesore, which risks further destroying the aesthetic environment of the area.

"This type of development is unacceptable on a site which overlooks Mizieb Valley, an important conservation area that is also a Natura 2000 site," AD chairman Harry Vassallo told a joint press conference with residents of the Ta' Masrija area in Mellieha.

Dr Vassallo said that AD and the residents were not opposed to development, which is being proposed on the site of a number of disused quarries in the area. However, the proposed high-rise development of 463 units was another example of an unsustainable development proposal, which was attempting to ride roughshod over residents' rights.

Residents present at the press conference pointed out that this development would completely change the height limitation of three storeys plus washroom currently prevailing in the area.

The proposed development will include a high-rise building going up to 10 storeys from the highest street level. They said that the development would block sunlight for a large number of residents and would impact directly on the privacy of many.

Another issue raised was the increased traffic congestion coupled with an as yet undefined commercial aspect proposed for the area. This would mean added inconvenience for numerous residents who are living in what is, to date, a purely residential area.

Dr Vassallo said that MEPA seemed to be aware of the serious impact that this development proposal may have since it had asked the developers to commission an Environment Impact Statement.

"MEPA has a chance to show that it is not a rubber stamp of all types of development at whatever cost," Dr Vassallo said.

"We are not saying that no development should be allowed in the area. However, it is very clear that the plans being proposed are unacceptable due to the negative visual, environmental and social impact they will have on the area. MEPA has a duty to insist on changes to the proposed plans that take into consideration these concerns."

In a reaction, MEPA said it appreciated the concerns of the residents and objectors like Alternattiva Demokratika. It said the application for this development was still being processed. All submissions from objectors, including AD, had been forwarded to the case officer and were being taken into consideration in the evaluation process.

It would therefore be imprudent for the authority to comment on a decision that had yet to be taken on an application still being assessed by the Planning Directorate.

However the authority said it was willing to meet with residents' representatives to explain the current situation on the project. One such meeting has already been scheduled.