San Ġwann resident and registered objector Stephen Saliba has lost the right to appeal the decision for a mega block to be constructed in Żbibu Lane in San Ġwann because he was not informed by Mepa of the permit.

The developer, San Ġwann Ltd., has now submitted a commencement notice to construct a seven-storey block of apartments with 150 underground parking spaces and 77 garages.

Mr Saliba and Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar explained that building the mega block will mean demolishing a 200-year-old farmhouse on the site, two 200-year-old rubble walls and the archaeological findings of rectangular holes cut into the bedrock.  

A nearby World War II shelter will also suffer, Mr Saliba explained, as the development will mean blocking one of the entrances, drastically reducing the oxygen flow.

Mr Saliba said that he reminded Mepa earlier this week that should the authority issue the relevant permits for the site, he was to be informed accordingly.

Mepa replied saying that a “non-executable permit” was issued to the developer on January 30 and that Mr Saliba was informed accordingly so that he could avail himself of his right to appeal in the next 30 days. This notification was also carried in the local press, Mepa said.

“I did not receive any letter informing me of the permit,” Mr Saliba stressed.

“When I asked Mepa for the copy of the letter they claimed they sent me, they sent me a letter which looked as if it was drafted on the spot. Unlike past letters, it did not bear Mepa’s official letterhead and the document date was erased.

“The San Ġwann Local Council, which also asked to be notified, also did not receive any letter from Mepa.

“I can’t understand how citizens are being crushed not only by the developers, but also by organisations which are supposed to be impartial and should be defending the citizens’ rights.”