Three hundred people have so far signed an open letter to the Prime Minister calling for action against “short-sighted decisions and greed” following the Planning Authority’s approval of high-rise projects.

In the letter being distributed by environmental organisation Flimkien Għal-Ambjent Aħjar, the signatories will be joining a campaign against the PA’s decisions.

Among those who signed are prominent politicians, environmentalists and academics, according to the FAA, which has not disclosed any names to this newspaper. “We the undersigned, can no longer watch silently as short-sighted decisions and greed continue to undermine all that makes Malta special,” the letter reads.

“The health and quality of life of the residents of Malta have deteriorated over different governments as rampant construction has ruined our towns and villages while damaging policies have continued unabated to pave the way for more building in our threatened countryside, impacting agriculture and biodiversity.”

FAA spokeswoman Astrid Vella said the letter was another attempt to get more people to voice their concerns in light of the recent approvals. It is being circulated via e-mail, with stalls also being set up at Għar-id-Dud, Sliema, for those wanting to add their name to the list on the spot.   While the organisation had initially anticipated that about 50 people who hold public roles would add their name to the letter, Ms Vella said this number has already shot up to more than 100.

“We know some people are against what is going on but because of their position in society, they would rarely speak up publicly, not wanting to get involved in any way, despite their disagreement.

“But it seems as though more and more people are fed up of the situation and we already have over 100 prominent people – be it politicians from all the parties, architects, environmentalists, academics and others – who have added their names.”

The letter also charges that changes to Malta’s urban landscape are “being pushed through without the essential studied and holistic vision that provides comprehensive planning solutions”. The NGO has for the past weeks lambasted the authorities for not conducting adequate studies.

It also highlights shortcomings in enforcement, which according to the organisation has resulted in “the widespread pollution of our sea”.

Anyone wishing to sign the letter can obtain it at http://faa-images.cru2.net/2016openletterhighrise.pdf and send it to FAA, 23, St Anne Street, Floriana or contact@faa.org.mt.

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