No development and works should be allowed to take place within the area earmarked for a development proposal of six apartments, parking and pool in Żebbuġ, Gozo, the Environment and Resources Authority said.

“Should the development still be given the green light by the Planning Authority, ERA may not be in a position to grant the nature and tree permits that are legally required to accommodate the proposed interventions.”

The ERA said that its objection to the proposed development was provided to the Planning Authority on March 23, in its capacity as an external consultee and an interested party.

In its position, the ERA put forward its concerns about the strong visual impact and the significant degradation that the proposed development would have on the environmentally sensitive site. The interventions being proposed would degrade the environment through the loss of natural habitat from extensive construction, the ERA said.

The ERA envisaged that the proposal would adversely impact the valley system and its overall rural character and would require the uprooting of existing trees and other vegetation typically found on such cliff sides.