Fifty-odd newly-discovered archaeological sites in Mġarr and Żebbiegħ have been scheduled by the planning authority.

Land to the south of the prehistoric Tà Ħaġrat Temples in Mġarr and a sizeable area to the south and east of the Żebbiegħ church have also been scheduled.

Most of the archaeological sites, which date back to prehistoric, classical, medieval and early modern periods, were discovered as a result of stringent planning permit monitoring procedures and field surveys carried out by Mepa and the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.

They include extensive areas characterised by a high density of prehistoric and classical pottery scatters, classical tombs, rural walls with long stretches of megaliths and ashlar stones, historic paths, ancient enclosures and water systems. Rural structures worthy of preservation, such as giren (corbelled huts), apiaries and small vernacular buildings, were also identified.

Most were discovered as a result of stringent planning permit monitoring procedures

A number of single chamber tombs and small catacombs were found in Mġarr and Żebbiegħ, indicating a well established human presence in the classical period. These tombs could provide data that would locate settlements and ancient roads in the period.

A large number of cart rut systems and ancient quarries in the area were also recorded and a kiln was discovered in an industrial site complete with water channels and a cistern.

Some of these rock-cut archaeological features date as far back as the Bronze Age.

A World War II shelter at Jubilee Square and Fisher Street, Mġarr, were scheduled too.

The area, with a substantial number of archaeological sites as well as rural and military heritage features, was one of the most complete and complex rural and cultural landscapes in Malta with a history that spanned over 7,000 years, Mepa said.