Alternattiva Demokratika has filed an objection to the proposed construction of a six-floor hotel in Għadira.

Mellieħa council candidate Luke Caruana and chairman Carmel Cacopardo said the objection was being submitted primarily because the proposed hotel fell within the valley and was outside development zone.

Mr Caruana said valleys should be protected and outside development zones should not be considered for development under any circumstance. Development areas were already too large and there was no reason to extend them for commercial interests to the detriment of the environment.

The proposed construction was located right next to the Omm il-Ħniena cemetery.

This created additional issues with the development application. If approved, it would impede possible extensions to the cemetery which by its very nature can only exist in an ODZ.”