Works at a site in a protected valley in Baħrija were halted by the planning authority following reports last week that heavy excavation was under way en route to Ras ir-Raħeb.

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority’s enforcement arm also ordered all machinery off the sensitive site, an order that was complied with. The enforcement team immediately investigated the case and stopped the action on Thursday. It has since carried out further site inspections and has confirmed that works have not resumed.

Mepa said it was monitoring the site and would take any necessary action, pending the conclusion of further investigations.

Sources said the recent downpour carried away part of the valley side due to the development.

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