The Malta Environment and Planning Authority has reprieved an old araucaria tree in Manwel Dimech Street, Sliema, which risked the chop to make way for an apartment block.

The environment NGO Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, which had protested about the plans earlier this week, welcomed the MEPA ruling, saying it was "another sensible decision taken by the MEPA DCC C board".

FAA pointed out that the commission refused this permit as it considered that the proposed development was too deep and intruded on back gardens.

"Although the Ministry of Resources and Rural Affairs has already granted a permit for the felling of this tree, this pause would give the developer the opportunity to accommodate the tree in his new plans as has been done very successfully in other projects," the FAA said.