Students, parents holding protest over permit refusal

Some 300 students, parents and teachers at St Augustine College are holding a protest in Valletta today after Mepa turned down an application for a permit to build a primary school.

Rector Alan Scerri said the protest is meant to show disapproval of the decision.

Those taking part delivered a petition signed by about 600 teachers, parents and former students to the Prime Minister's secretary.

The protest started near the War Memorial in Floriana and headed for the Auberge de Castille. 

The college wants to build its primary school in a former garden but Mepa says the site is an urban conservation area. The Mepa board last Thursday voted 6-5 against granting the permit.

The college insists this is a 'white area' subject to change. It also argued that the development will not be visible from the streets, since it is surrounded by buildings whose height will not be exceeded. 

The college is appealing the Mepa decision but is calling for the appeal to be heard quickly, since 150 primary school students are already using temporary classes at the Minor Seminary. Appeals normally take 18 months. 

The plan was to move these students to the permanent new school next year. Parents voiced their worries because they do not know what will happen to their children who are currently receiving their education in temporary premises.

About 20 teachers are also concerned because their employment is uncertain at this stage.