A decision to build a boundary wall partially blocking the view from the Nadur belvedere has been suspended just three weeks after it was postponed.

The application to build the 1.4-metre-high wall to protect a field located below the belvedere in David Cocco Palmeri Street and Mġarr Road was filed by the owners, Andrew Vella and his family.

The request is being strongly opposed by the Nadur council and Nationalist MP Chris Said, a former Nadur mayor. They are insisting that the area is classified as a green area and if permission is granted the development could set a precedent and pave the way for other property owners to build walls to protect their property.

Lawyer Ian Stafrace, on behalf of Mr Vella, points out that the applicants have a court judgment in their favour, giving them the go-ahead to build the boundary wall to safeguard their rights.

During a hearing on July 9, Mepa chairman Vince Cassar asked whether, in light of the court judgment, the board had its hands tied.

The decision was, therefore, postponed to yesterday, pending legal advice.

Both parties engaged in legal arguments yesterday and, at one point, Dr Stafrace addressed the chair as “Judge”, breaking the sombre atmosphere, given the muffled giggles from those parties present.

When the board was asked for its comments, member Timothy Gambin proposed pushing back the belvedere railings some 1.5 metres so that people would not be able to look down on the Vellas’ property.

The applicants and the objectors were asked whether they could discuss the proposal and find a solution.

As, by law, a decision can only be postponed once, the board suspended the decision and will meet again in the first week of September.