Two groups have presented a petition to the planning authority with more than 2,400 signatures calling for the refusal of an application to build an old people’s home in Wied Garnaw.

The project is a five-storey complex for the elderly in an outside development area in Wied Garnaw, which lies between Santa Luċija and Luqa.

The petition says the South Malta Local Plan classifies the site as an area of agricultural importance, rural conservation area, valley protection zone, aquifer protection zone and as part of a strategic open space.

The project would also pose a severe threat to the whole valley as it would create a precedent for other development in neighbouring fields, the petitioners said.