An outline application, 05301/07 (published on October 27, 2007) has been filed at Mepa proposing to include within the development zone an area all around the bottom of the Ghajn Zejtuna Valley, Mellieha. Most of the area marked within the proposed footprint is now a protected area and thus not within the development zone according to the latest North West Local Plan 2006, Map 27 which now marks most of the remaining areas of the valley as a green area.

Wied Ghajn Zejtuna is of high ecological value having one of the very few watercourses which support a permanent fresh water spring as well as a thriving valley bed vegetation. It is home to various indigenous protected flora and fauna such as the hedgehog, painted frog and carob, just to mention a few. It is also a gorgeous natural haven for migratory birds which seek shelter from hunters and trappers. During a storm, the valley watercourse transforms itself into a spectacular scene, providing one of the only rainwater escape routes in the area as water gushes down at torrential speeds from the cliffs all the way down Ghajn Zejtuna Valley and finally ending up in the sea.

Time is of essence in putting a stop to this application as all objections must be filed by November 11, 2007. All interventions will be greatly appreciated.