Wied Għajn Żejtuna, the valley within the settlement boundary of Santa Marija Estate in Mellieħa, has been added to the list of sites scheduled for their natural heritage.

The valley bed still sustains a permanent and constant flow of freshwater and on the side of the valley is woodland of mature Aleppo pines, also scheduled.

The trees have been scheduled not only as part of the valley but also by virtue of their "distinctive ecological importance in terms of watershed protection and intrinsic values".

Although the valley is located within the development zone, development will be limited to the maintenance of existing structures already covered by a permit, according to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

Proposals for bungalow development adjacent to the scheduled area will need to include a block plan showing the delineation of the rear property wall aligned with the scheduling boundary and the scheduled part of the site retained in its natural setting.

The valley, Mepa said, played an important containment role to prevent the calescence of the villa development, a role that should be preserved to safeguard the intrinsic visual aspect and the hydrodynamic function of the valley bed.