An NGO has applauded the Planning Authority's decision to shoot down the proposed development at Gozo's Hondoq ir-Rummien.

"It has been a long 14-year struggle, and would not have been possible without the help and support of thousands of people," Moviment Harsien Hondoq said in a statement.

However, the NGO warned that window is still open for new applications to be submitted to develop Hondoq with 'low density' buildings due to the changes made to the 2006 Local Plan, which meant the area changed from an Outside Development Zone area "for agricultural use or afforestation", to an area where "tourism and marine related development may be considered".

An old tyre or fridge is not an excuse for a multi-million euro speculative development

This change, which would facilitate the developer's application, was done without consultation with Qala Local Council, or the public, and according to the authority's Audit Office this lack of consultation should not have happened, considering the 'substantial' nature of the changes.

Unless this loophole is closed, this saga will never end.

The MHH argued that the developers are using the fact that the land is untidy with rubbish as a reason that it should be suitable for development.

"They are responsible for cleaning the area, but they won't as it suits their cause - even to the extent of refusing access to the Gozo ministry officials who tried to clear it. An old tyre or fridge is not an excuse for a multi-million euro speculative development."