The Archaeological Society has expressed concern with development within buffer zones around archaeological sites, particularly around the Brochtorff Stone Circle at Xagħra.

The Brochtorff Circle is a temple period underground burial site found in areas rich in archaeological sites such as Ġgantija, the north cave and L-Għar ta’ Għejżu.

A tomb discovered early in the 20th century is also believed to be in the area around the Circle and may have been rediscovered a decade ago in the investigations related to an application for development. Apart from the individual sites mentioned, the area remains largely unexplored.

The society said changes in the surrounding area threatened the site and its potential for likely future archaeological discoveries.

“Buildings have appeared and some areas have been covered by concrete or damaged. Furthermore recommendations by the Heritage Advisory Committee to change the local plans to be in line with the scheduling of the protected heritage in the area remain largely unheeded.”

It urged the authorities to respect buffer zones, particularly around important archaeological features, and only allow development that enhanced the landscape around the site.