It is interesting how little media reaction was provoked by the NGOs’ news release concerning Ħondoq ir-Rummien, which was widely published at the end of October.

One can only presume that even more apartments are being planned- Jane Carr, Qala

The news release, based on the developers’ own words from their EIS reports, stated that demand for five-star accommodation in Gozo is weak, and that the hotel would not be viable without the marina.

Now it has been reported that the developers have to put in a new application, since the new concept with the swimming lagoon has a larger footprint than the original application. It would be surprising if the proposed swimming lagoon were to be larger than that proposed for the marina, so one can only presume that even more apartments are being planned – despite the developers recognising increased room capacity as being a problem. Maybe there was something in the comment Parking Spaces At Ħondoq (July 12, 2010), which discussed the excessive parking provision in the old application and said that “perhaps the developers are already thinking ahead for an expansion in the number of accommodation units”.

A swimming lagoon will not bring in the income which a marina would have done.

Therefore how is increasing the number of accommodation units in a weak market going to be more commercially viable? There will of course be the income from the quarried stone – which could actually be the main prize in this venture.

Mepa, please do not let Ħondoq, with its nature, cultural and architectural heritage, fade away under the weight of yet more unrequired and unwanted apartment blocks.

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