Updated 1.55pm with FAA statement
The Planning Authority will decide on Monday what type of development will be permissible along the Mosta periphery in what Alternattiva Demokratika said will lead to the destruction of more agricultural land.
The land in question has a superficial area of around 38,600 square metres. It was included as developable in 2006 when the then government had included it in its controversial rationalisation exercise.
"Then, the Labour Party in parliament had voted against the proposal but the Nationalist Party had voted in favour of this destruction," AD deputy chairman Carmel Cacopardo told a news conference.
The land in question is sub-divided into 93 plots
The Planning Authority will consider application PC 039/09 as a result of which development of three floors and a semi-basement will be permissible development with a building height of 17.50 metres above street level. The land in question is sub-divided into 93 plots.
There are however eight other stretches of land which have not yet been apportioned into plots.
Addressing a press conference next to Cumbo Tower, AD said the last census held in 2011 had identified that out of 8,359 residential units in Mosta, 16.2% were vacant and an additional 3.2% were only used occasionally.”
"Then why do the authorities continuously encourage massive development? The Labour Party should be consistent and take the necessary steps, unless it has changed its mind as a result of being elected in government,” Mr Cacopardo said.
Meanwhile, other vast stretches of land in Mosta have been added within the development zone, including land in Triq Dun Mikiel Xerri on the periphery of Attard.
Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar said that when in 2006 the eNGOs had organised a protest march against the rationalisation scheme, Joseph Muscat had wanted to address the protest, criticising the plans to take up more agricultural land for construction.
"Now that the PL is in government and in a position to save what has not yet been built, it is reversing its position and allowing the rape of the land to increase, to the detriment of the health and quality of life of residents," FAA said in a statement.
The takeover of agricultural land is happening all over the island, not just in Mosta. However a scenic site like Durumblat, where fields are still being worked next to historic Cumbo Tower, shows how greed is being allowed to destroy Malta's historic landscapes, to the detriment of public health, well-being and the economy, the NGO said.