Development application notices have made sporadic and ominous appearances on the facades of many uniquely designed family homes lining Old Railway Road and Birbal Street in Balzan. The notices and the buildings to which they were affixed soon disappear, to be replaced by oversized concrete structures showing a complete disregard for the character and aesthetic of the area.

A few days ago I realised another development application had been posted in Old Railway Road, to demolish the existing dwelling and build nine units. The curt statement fails to mention the destruction of a 100 foot-long garden filled with mature citrus trees and a palm tree. All that will remain is a 16-foot yard.

This garden serves as a much-needed green lung for this congested and over-developed area. A source of clean air should be protected and preserved rather than destroyed.

There are even more pragmatic reasons for the conservation and creation of gardens. Besides the production of fruit, they also reduce flooding as they absorb rain water – the roads in question lead directly toward the infamous Valley Road.

One by one, the citrus gardens of Balzan and Lija are being destroyed, eroding the heritage of these two villages. Beautiful houses of character continue to be demolished throughout Malta without any appreciation for their aesthetics and the environment they create.

I urge anyone who wishes to curb reckless development, protect precious green areas and preserve the unique character of Balzan, to write an objection to Mepa at email: objakn@mepa.org.mt (quoting case PA/02770/13) before Friday. The more objections, the stronger the case. One can be anonymous.