Alternattiva Demokratika is objecting to the proposed development of more than 200 apartments spread over eight storeys on the Mellieħa bypass, claiming the development violates public policy on alternative energy use.

The development application has been on the table since 2006 after the Malta Environment and Planning Authority had issued a comprehensive planning policy for the area, known as Ta’ Masrija, which is a disused quarry.

The building height designation for the areawas set higher than that of the surrounding residential area and AD sustainable development spokesman Carmel Cacopardo insisted that the apartment blocks would create “overshadowing on existing residences”.

This, he said, would “reduce substantially” the possibility of making use of appropriate installations on the rooftops of existing dwellings to capture sunlight for heating water or generating clean electricity.

“This runs counter to current public policy which seeks to encourage the reduction of Malta’s carbon footprint through the utilisation of alternative energy sources,” Mr Cacopardo said.

The project is also opposed by a residents’ action committee.