The 14-year saga surrounding a proposed mega-development at Gozo’s idyllic Ħondoq bay is still not over: developers have filed an appeal against last June's refusal by the Planning Authority.

The 104,000-square-metre marina and hotel, proposed on a protected stretch of the Ħondoq coastline, was unanimously rejected last June, having been opposed vociferously by the Qala local council, residents and environmental groups.

“The developers have every right to appeal, but this issue has been going on for 14 years and all reports have recommended refusal,” Qala vice-mayor Paul Buttigieg, who spearheaded opposition to the project, told the Times of Malta.

“The latest decision was unanimously to refuse. If the developers are expecting a miracle, it’s their business, but we don’t feel the decision of the board should be overturned after 14 years of study.”

The local council held a meeting to discuss the appeal yesterday evening and will maintain its staunch opposition throughout the appeals process.

Gozo Prestige Holidays wants to turn a large disused quarry and an additional area of garigue overlooking Ħondoq into a 110-bed hotel spread across nine floors, with four levels of underground parking. They also proposed 25 villas, 60 apartments and 200 multi-owner properties, with the project being likened by PA board members to “a whole new village”.

The PA case officer recommended that the application be refused, describing it as a “highly dense urban development within an area designated as rural coastline”, which went contrary to several national policies.

If the developers are expecting a miracle, it’s their business

Transport Malta was one of four of the stakeholders consulted that objected to the development, saying it would not function due to the increase in traffic generation. Qala already has the second highest level of air pollution in Gozo, and 85 per cent of residents voted against the development in a local referendum back in 2002.

Prior to the hearing, the developers tried to have new plans considered, replacing the proposed marina with a lagoon and significantly reducing the built-up area.

These plans were not accepted by the authority at the time, as they were considered “material changes” requiring a fresh application, a stance which was upheld unanimously by the PA board at last month’s hearing.

The Qala local council has for some time warned that Ħondoq is being besieged by development applications, putting its natural character at risk.

One such proposal, currently under assessment by the PA, seeks to turn a small agricultural store right beside the sandy beach into a new souvenir shop surrounded by timber paving.

The permit for the agricultural store was granted in 1994 against the recommendation of the case officer responsible.

Residents are concerned that, if approved, the project could open the door for the site to be developed into a catering establishment further down the line.

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