An NGO has questioned why an application to build high-rise apartments on the site of the former Mistra Village in St Paul’s Bay is being decided now, when the formulation of a new policy to regulate high-rise buildings has just been launched.

This application is due to be decided by the planning authority board on October 31.

The timing of the board hearing for the decision on this development calls the credibility of the proposed policy into serious question right from the start, Din l-Art Ħelwa said in a statement.

The objectives of the new Floor Area Ratio Policy were published by Mepa for consultation last month.

If this development is allowed to go through, Mepa’s policy will be aborted

Mepa’s own specific objectives stated high-rise buildings should not be constructed on ridges.

Yet, the site of this appli-cation is on a high ridge that is of great panoramic value, DLĦ said.

Once the formulation of a new high-rise policy is underway, it is expected that no decision on high-rise buildings should be taken before the policy is finalised and its objectives respected, the NGO maintained.

The ridge at Mistra is one of Malta’s most sensitive and scenic viewpoints, and any development is visible across the island from Mellieħa and St Paul’s Bay.

Parliamentary Secretary in charge of planning Michael Farrugia had said on Thursday that he wished he could turn the clock back and get rid of disaster zones.

“This is one such golden opportunity,” the environmental NGO said.

“If Mistra’s development is allowed to go through, Mepa’s policy will be aborted even before it is concluded.”