The project to upgrade the armed forces’ maritime base at Haywharf, overshadowing the bastions, should be halted, according to two environmental NGOs.

“The development is outrageous and should be stopped,” Astrid Vella, from Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar, said yesterday.

Friends of the Earth also appealed for a stay of the project until further studies are carried out.

However, a planning authority spokesman said the development had been given the green light by heritage safeguarding authorities.

When contacted, a spokesman for Mepa said the submission of a formal Development Notification Order was not required where, in the opinion of the minister responsible for the AFM or immigration, the development was urgently required for national security or humanitarian reasons. Mepa would still have to be informed and clearance would be required from the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage.

“The authority can confirm that both the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage and the Planning Directorate’s Heritage Planning Unit gave their clearance to the project,” the spokesman said.

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