The proposed development of ODZ land at Ta’ Ċenċ in Gozo would continue the “relentless destruction of the countryside”, Din l-Art Ħelwa warned yesterday.

In a statement, the heritage NGO said it was extremely concerned by a renewed proposal to build 15 villas outside of the development boundaries, on the plateau near Mġarr ix-Xini at Ta’ Ċenċ.

“This proposal is completely unacceptable and should be thrown out by the planning authority. It goes directly against all current planning policies which relate to this area,” the NGO said.

It added the Local Plan for the area set limitations to development on the plateau near Mġarr ix-Xini to the existing developed area and did not allow for further development.

This, the DLĦ said, was specifically clarified in a letter to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority board back in 2006. The letter, the NGO said, had been sent to the authority by then environment minister George Pullicino and endorsed by then prime minister Lawrence Gonzi.

Furthermore, DLĦ said the Rural Policy and Design Guidance, approved by the current administration in 2014, did not contemplate the development of new residences outside the development zones.

Finally, the new Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development (SPED) of 2015, which has replaced the Structure Plan, says new residences should be located within urban areas.

“The government has already ignored its own SPED with the transfer of a large portion of land at Żonqor in Marsascala for the development of an educational institute. Granting permission to build private villas in an ODZ area near Mġarr ix-Xini is unacceptable,” DLĦ said.