Appeal to Mepa to refuse Portomaso development application

Nature Trust has appealed to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority to refuse the new Portomaso development application, which the board is due to discuss tomorrow.

Executive president Vince Attard said:

"The developers are proposing the construction of 46 new apartments in an area of ecological and historic importance. The site features a bastion that is protected by law. The original permits for the Portomaso development were categorical with respect to no extension being allowed. The islands' coasts are public land and MEPA should ensure that the little bit of open space that is left in the area is left undeveloped for the public's enjoyment."

Mepa issued two outline development permits in July 1995 and February 1996, and full development permits in June 1996 and February 1998. All included a condition stating that no extensions/enlargements of the development, its individual elements or any related development within or outside the site would be permitted.