An application for 98 bungalows outside the development zone in Mellieħa would deal another serious blow to the natural environment if approved, an NGO has warned.

The Mellieħa Bay Hotel has applied to build the properties on Mellieħa ridge, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) said in a statement.

The proposed project is located around the hotel but outside the development zone. FAA said the area is of ecological and scientific importance.

Furthermore, a government notice clearly states that the area lies between two proposed sites of community interest, and is proposed as part of the special areas of conservation, sites of international importance, and special protection area, besides being scheduled. The site is mainly made up of protected garigue and also includes protected trees.

"This same speculator of land has been responsible for the negative changes that have taken place at Santa Maria Estate as well as the over-development and environmental damage at Tigné. FAA cannot but be concerned at the project which will eliminate one of the few remaining pristine sites."

Malta Environment and Planning Authority regulations stipulate: "No form of urban development will be permitted outside existing and committed built-up areas. Exceptions to this rule are restricted to farming and countryside recreation developments with due caution."

A project of these dimensions should not be considered before a holistic study is carried out to assess the tourism needs for this type of accommodation and, if such a need is required, where it can best be located in order to avoid the destruction of the Mellieħa headland, the NGO said.

FAA appealed to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, who is also responsible for environment, to carry through the much-needed reform of Mepa regulations with urgency.