The Ramblers' Association of Malta has called on Mepa to reject the outline application 05301/07 that threatens to destroy a large part of the protected area outside development zone located at the bottom end of the valley floor of Wied Ghajn Zejtuna.

The association has submitted its objection formally to the planning and environment watchdog on grounds that the applicant should have followed a planning control process and not file a planning application.

The latter is filed when everything is within scheme while the former has to be filed when an application for a development or part of it lies outside the development zones, the Rambler's Association explained.

The infringement, the association said, will restrict the watercourse, creating the risks of blockage, of negatively affecting the water table and of endangering an area of high ecological value that acts as the "lung" of Santa Marija Estate and supports a varied natural habitat. It provides the only known breeding area of the collared dove in Malta, the association pointed out, expressing sympathy with the residents of Santa Marija Estate.

In recent years, Santa Marija Estate has seen unabated decline of its green areas as the built-up proportion of individual plots increases with impunity and as paved terraces are being allowed in lieu of landscaped areas.

It cannot now afford that its protected green areas be sacrificed at the altar of the speculator, the Ramblers' Association said. It thus urged Mepa to reject the application forthwith and endeavour to preserve Wied Ghajn Zejtuna in order that its high ecological value will continue to breath fresh air into a unique residential estate.