The first phase of the planned oncology centre has been given the green light by the planning authority, paving the way for its construction on the grounds of Mater Dei Hospital.

The €40 million centre will be built on an area adjacent to the hospital currently used as a car park although it had already been earmarked for development back in 1999.

The centre will have 74 in-patient beds, including 16 for palliative care and 10 for children and adolescents.

Covering an area of 11,200 square metres, the centre will be developed in three phases and be connected to Mater Dei through an underground tunnel and a bridge. Once completed in 2012, it will offer the oncology services provided by Boffa Hospital in Floriana.

The second and third phases of the project will cater for chemotherapy facilities, an outpatients' area, a Phlebotomy Unit for blood tests, administrative offices, a cafeteria and a plant room. The helicopter pad will eventually be moved to the top of the new building. The government had considered using Zammit Clapp Hospital for oncology services but the idea was abandoned.

The planning application was approved without a glitch - there were no objections from the public and unanimous support from the Malta Environment and Planning Authority board, chaired by Austin Walker.

During yesterday's session another application for 47 basement garages and 48 overlying apartments in the limits of Gudja and Għaxaq was not approved and the applicant had to request a deferment.

The contention arose because the proposed block was one course higher on one side of the building than had been approved by the Planning Control Application for the site.

Mr Walker stressed that what had been previously approved had to be adhered to.

When Pio Camilleri, the applicant's father, argued that the planning development directorate had recommended an approval, Mr Walker said the application process called on the Mepa board to take the decision and not on the case officer.

Although the developer agreed to lower the building by one course, Mr Walker insisted he ask for a deferment and submit new plans. This was finally accepted by the developer.