After several months away from Malta, I recently visited the Balluta Bay area and could not help but notice a new monstrosity rising over Balluta Valley that has ruined this valley and the view from Balluta Bay forever. As can be seen from the photo, the new building, situated in Triq Birkirkara, is completely out of place.

Its style, height and depth ignore the topography and are in contrast with that of the surrounding buildings creating unsightly blank third party walls.

The result is a complete eyesore, a real planning travesty. Until now, this valley was one of the last remaining green open spaces in the area that stretches from St Julian’s to Valletta and beyond, the prime touristic area in Malta.

Yet once again the greed of so-called developers, the incompetence of so-called architects and the complicity of Mepa has ruined this valley forever. This building is speculation at its worst, only one in an endless list of shame.

How could Mepa ever approve such a horrible eyesore? What sort of architect would ever design such an obscenity? What does the Kamra tal-Periti have to say about this development and the continuous devastation of Malta’s urban environment? When driving, do these people ever look around and see the mess they are creating?

Shame on you all!