Development project in Mellieħa valley refused

The six-year battle by residents against the development of a block of flats in the middle of a valley in Mellieħa ended in victory when the planning appeals board yesterday confirmed a previous decision to refuse permission.

The proposed development would have seen the block of flats extending deep into the valley, blocking the water course and cutting Wied tal-Madonna in two.

The development had been turned down but the applicant appealed the decision.

Mellieħa residents who were present for the meeting yesterday were delighted when the appeals board chairman read out the sentence.

"After almost six years of arguing against this development we are glad that the valley has been saved. It is the only natural open space in the middle of Mellieħa. The development would have blocked the water course and suffocated the area," residents said.