Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Friends of the Earth (Malta) and Ramblers Association welcomed Mepa’s positive step to protect the importance of back gardens.

While a recent circular on the issue annoyed developers and architects, it was supported by environmental NGOs that said: “It comes as a breath of fresh air after years of wilful misinterpretation of Mepa policies by certain quarters for their own gain”.

They said it was no secret that developers have targeted houses with mature gardens in urban areas to replace them with flats.

“These gardens form an integral part of our urban heritage, especially in localities like Balzan, Lija and Attard... the loss of these essential green lungs undermines the quality of life of the whole community,” they said.

FAA, FoE and Ramblers Malta used “this singular occasion” to request the Mepa board to be similarly proactive from now on.

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