Updated:Small protest as Ramla development hearing starts

(adds that meeting took no decision)

A small group consisting mostly of foreigners is holding a protest in Xewkija as the Planning Appeals board (which is totally separate from Mepa) starts to consider an appeal from its decision to revoke a permit for the building of villas overlooking Ramla Bay.

The protest is being held by some 20 people outside the offices of the University Centre, where the hearing is taking place.

They are carrying a number of placards, some of them reading “Government is ultimately responsible” and “Ulysses save her!”

MEPA a few months ago revoked the permit for the building of 23 villas on the site of the former Ulysses Lodge after finding that part of the site is actually state-owned.

No decision was taken at today's meeting, and the board is to decide whether to throw out the appeal because the proper fee was not paid.