The appropriate place to discuss the relocation of the new Gozo law courts is during the development permit planning process, the Gozo Ministry said.

The ministry has proposed a site at Pjazza l-Assedju 1561 in Victoria for the new law courts.

However, Alternattiva Demo-kratika has opposed plans to relocate the courts to the heart of Victoria as the move will exacerbate traffic problems. It says it is in favour of the move in principle but opposed to the site. Instead, AD is proposing the courts move to the outskirts of the city, on a vacant complex formerly rented to Malta Dairy Products where commuters could be served by a shuttle bus service.

When contacted by The Times, the ministry said it could not understand AD's claims that the new location posed the "risk of noise pollution and air quality deterioration".

Instead, AD was proposing a solution that would increase traffic by using a shuttle bus service, the ministry pointed out.

The government's proposal to build the new courts within walking distance of the bus terminus was more sustainable and more environmentally friendly.