A seven-storey residential block would jar with the unique characteristics of Mellieħa, former mayor and Nationalist MP Robert Cutajar said yesterday.

He was reacting to the news that the Planning Authority had approved the development of the complex in the Ta’ Masrija area, atop Mellieħa ridge, on Thursday.

The application by GAP Development was filed two weeks after the PA approved a controversial partial review of the area’s planning policy last year, which allowed heights of four and five floors all along Ta’ Masrija Street, with increased heights of up to seven in other parts.

Residents had argued that the height restrictions should be identical to the surrounding area, which is characterised by two-to-three-storey buildings.

The application approved on Thursday will see the construction of 152 apartments above three basement levels for 168 lock-up garages.

He questioned why the council had changed its position after sending a letter unanimously expressing opposition

Mr Cutajar questioned why the local council had changed its position, since in 2012, it had sent a letter to the then Malta Environment and Planning Authority unanimously expressing opposition on a number of grounds.

The site, covering an area of about 5,067 square metres within the development zone, will be built partly on a disused quarry and overlooks Triq Louis Wettinger.

The PA case officer, who recommended the proposal for approval, noted that the proposed building would be the first one of its extent and height in this particular area and that other similar developments would follow suit.

In fact, a new application has since been submitted on an adjacent site to build 47 apartments and 40 garages on seven levels over 1,730 square metres of land.

The application by GAP was considered acceptable since the residential complex was in line with the planning policy review approved last year.

Heritage NGO Din l-Art Ħelwa raised objections as to the building height which, it said, was excessive and served only to over-intensify a development that was already massive in area.

It noted that the site location as a ridge development was a sensitive one and excessive height would create a “horrible vista” along the Mellieħa bypass and have a detrimental effect on far-reaching views.

The PA imposed a planning gain of €193,283, which will be used to fund highway improvements at the junction of Triq il-Mitħna l-Qadima and Miżieb.