Student activists concerned about skyscraper projects in Mrieħel and Sliema gathered today to protest what they decried as the state of "limitless development" Malta was heading towards. 

Both project were controversially green-lighted by the Planning Authority board two weeks ago. 

In a 10-page report endorsed by practically every student organisation represented on campus, the University Students' Council (KSU) argued that the projects risked setting a precedent and becoming the norm. 

Although it noted that plans for high-rise buildings in Mrieħel lacked adequate provisions for traffic and parking, the KSU report reserved most of its criticism for the 38-storey Townsquare development planned for Tigne' in Sliema. 

Plans to mitigate concerns about construction noise were "superficial", safety plans seemed to be absent and a social impact assessment had been roundly criticised by sociologist Michael Briguglio, the KSU said.

"The optimal plan is not being taken," the KSU report argued, calling the government to draft an environment master plan that would bring together all relevant stakeholders, as well as the introduction of the concept of eco-cities.

Such eco-cities, it said, include the implementation of sustainable energy sources and sewage systems, green architecture,  alternative means of transport and xeriscaping - landscaping that does away with the need for additional irrigation water.