Joe Grech (November 11) claims to have heard that the garden of Villa Mekrech, which is built in baroque style is to be demolished to make way for a building complex.

One would agree with Mr Grech’s disappointment had what he claimed to have ‘heard’ been correct. The truth, however, is that Villa Mekrech and the gardens that form an integral part of it have been listed by Mepa as a Grade 2 structure and will remain untouched from any development.

The approved permit that Mr Grech refers to is not on a site that forms part of the scheduled gardens of Villa Mekrech, but on a field adjacent to them. This field is physically divided from Villa Mekrech and its gardens by a dividing wall. Moreover, the height and density of the approved permit has been limited to two floors specifically to safeguard the visual integrity of Villa Mekrech and its gardens from such development.

To put things in a clearer perspective, the scheduled Villa Mekrech and its gardens measure 6,982 square metres. The field adjacent to this property and on which development will take place in accordance with an outline permit issued in 2008, measures 569 square metres.

This prestigious large 19th century townhouse and its gardens will remain an integral heritage icon within the heart of Għaxaq.