Countryside lovers are fuming over a decision to allow a villa to be built just metres away from the Ta’ Ħagrat Temples in Mġarr.
Environmentalist Alan Deidun said he was “speechless” after the planning authority granted a permit for the development next to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“It seems no place is too sacred on these blessed islands,” he added.
The Superintendence for Cultural Heritage and Mepa’s environmental directorate had originally objected to the scheme on the grounds of “considerable archaeological sensitivity and the immediate vicinity of Ta’ Ħaġrat Temples”.
But their decision was revised shortly after the March general election. The two organisations dropped their reservations following a revision of plans by the developers.
Din l-Art Ħelwa president Simon Mizzi called the decision to grant the permit “shameful”.
Neighbours yesterday claimed political convenience, adding that “everyone in Mġarr knew this sensitive and rural land would be given a permit if Labour came to power”.
The permit, granted last month, was issued for the development of 867 square metres - mostly outside the develop-ment zone - into a villa with adjacent gardens.
In 2008, Mepa had already refused a permit on the same land due to its proximity to the world heritage site.
Although Mepa’s case officer recommended the application for refusal, the decision was overturned following the lifting of objections from the cultural heritage superintendence and revised drawings by the developers, including the removal of a swimming pool and the exclusion of any rock cutting in the area.
Ms Mizzi said: “This shameful decision by the Mepa board shows its components are either totally ignorant or they are insensitive to the need of keeping Malta’s precious monuments clear of modern building, or they don’t care, preferring to keep the public happy building just about anywhere.”
Petra Caruana Dingli – who until a few months ago was Mepa’s Environment Director – said one would have hoped that new houses would be kept as far back as possible to preserve what is left of the rural context of this world-class temple.
Flimkien għal Ambjent Ahjar said such permits only serve to create a precedent to more development within heritage buffer zones. Since this building is a two-floor structure, it will also intrude further on the heritage skyline of this World Heritage Site, FAA said.
A spokesman for Mepa confirmed that a permit was issued but dismissed any political intervention.
He said the Environment and Planning Commission, which decided on the application, gave due regard to the fact there were no objections from the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage and the Environment Protection Directorate in reaching a decision.
Mepa also said that conditions suggested by the superintendence and the directorate have been included in the per-mit conditions.
The planning authority said objectors still have a right to appeal.
Ta’ Ħaġrat and Skorba Temples
The Ta’ Ħaġrat temples in Mġarr are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with several other megalithic temples. They are among the most ancient religious sites in the world.
The larger Ta’ Ħaġrat temple dates from the Ġgantija phase (3,600-3,200 BCE); the smaller is dated to the Saflieni phase (3,300-3,000 BCE).