NGO, AD object to proposed extension next to Portomaso

An environmental NGO and Alternattiva Demokratika are opposing the proposed construction of around 60 apartments on the shoreline adjacent to Portomaso.

The site is flanked by two green areas, as well as a historical bastion wall built during the time of the Knights. It also provides access to the beach, something which residents fear will be inhibited with the development.

An unsigned letter, urging residents to object to the development, has also been circulated. It points out that the site had been fenced off during construction of the Portomaso block "for the protection of important ecological species".

Flimkien Għal Ambjent Ahjar spokesman Astrid Vella has called for the withdrawal of the application, saying it was filed incorrectly since the site was indicated as being in Church Street, Paceville.

"This (withdrawing the application) has been done in similar cases where such irregularities have been brought to the attention of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority. We are confident the same will be done in this situation."

Alternattiva Demokratika also expressed concern over the development, adding that public access to the shoreline should be protected and the walls forming part of Fort Spinola conserved.

AD chairman Arnold Cassola encouraged residents to express their right to object, saying they were already burdened by overdevelopment and would continue to suffer the effects such as noise and air pollution.

The circular, being distributed to households, highlights the inconvenience and health hazards associated with the three years of construction that such a building would require.

The developer, Tumas Group, was unavailable for comment.