The planning authority appeals tribunal has turned down an appeal on the Ramla l-Ħamra project.

The controversial project, which would have consisted of a complex of 23 villas with pools on the slopes of the Ramla hillside, had originally been granted a permit by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority. However, after a public outcry, and due to the fact that the developers had failed to declare that their site included a parcel of public land, the authority revoked the permit and the developers appealed.

Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, together with Gozitan NGO Save Ramla, yesterday welcomed the decision.

The FAA said it was one of huge significance, since reinstating the permit would have opened the whole Ramla hillside to development.

The site contains archaeological remains and endangered plants on the sand dunes.

“This is a most welcome result for the preservation of Gozo and Malta’s rural heritage, and a credit to the Mepa reform and Eco-Gozo commitment,” the FAA said.