Deidun joins Portomaso objections

The developer of the Portomaso complex is failing to abide by permit conditions to protect an ecological area in St Julian's and rehabilitate an 18th century entrenchment wall, according to environmentalist and MEP candidate Alan Deidun.

Dr Deidun yesterday joined the chorus of disapproval lodged by residents, Alternattiva Demokratika and NGO Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar to the extension of Portomaso by building 60 new apartments, a parking area, a seawater swimming pool and a roof garden. The Tumas Group is behind the development.

Addressing a news conference outside the site of the proposed extension, Dr Deidun said the 1995 development permit for the construction of Portomaso clearly stipulated that the stretch of land overlooking the sea near the Cavallieri Hotel was to be an ecological site.

The permit was also granted on condition that the developer maintained and rehabilitated the entrenchment wall built by the Knights, he said.

However, Dr Deidun added, the developer was not abiding by the permit conditions and had applied to build the extension, claiming the area was no longer ecological.

"This is his fault as he should have ensured the species there remained protected," Dr Deidun said.

Besides, he added, the historic wall would be sandwiched between two blocks of apartments with just six metres away. The developer was claiming he could develop the area according to the local plan that was revised in 2006.

But Dr Deidun criticised the way the local plan had been revised without informing residents. In any case, the 1995 permit was granted in breach of the structure plan, he said.

Dr Deidun called on the developer to exercise "civic sense" and make sure the area may be enjoyed by the public.