Balluta valley should retain its protected status, according to a planning report, which noted that a request by five companies to de-schedule it was only fuelled by their “intent to develop” the land.
The planning authority’s planning board will discuss the matter today.
The Balluta Residents Association and Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar are objecting to the request, saying the valley is the only “green lung” left in the area.
The developers argue that the land is not of ecological value and parts of it should be downgraded and de-scheduled.
Mepa’s heritage planning unit maintains that “the grounds for reconsideration do not justify the de-scheduling or downgrading of the site”.