Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) and Alternattiva Demokratika have, in separate statements, opposed proposals by St Julians council to build a carpark for 130 cars at Balluta Square.

The environment NGO said Balluta Square, established a century ago, is one of the few open spaces available to St Julian’s residents, offering pleasant shade beneath the trees’ spreading canopy.

"No amount of landscaping and compensatory planting would re-create the atmosphere of this treasured old square which is much sought-after by tourists. Some of the trees that would be jeaopardised by these plans are old protected Maltese oak (ballut) trees , which species gave the square and the locality its name. Too many established protected trees in the area have already been cut down to make way for large-scale developments along Balluta valley, projects which only take into account commercialisation, and fail miserably to consider any social and ecological negative impacts," FAA said.

It called on the authorities to issue an emergency conservation order on the old trees, along with scheduling of the old square.

"Given the proximity of Balluta Buidlings, one of Malta’s finest architectural landmarks, a scheduled Grade 1 monument, FAA also requests the designation of a protective buffer zone around this vulnerable old building."

AD statement

Alternattiva Demokratika spokesman Carmel Caccopardo said all plans should be published and adequate public consultation should be held before any decision is taken.

"AD agrees with residents that Balluta Square is unique and must be preserved. Residents, their guests and visitors should be able to continue enjoying one of the few open spaces in the area. A car park will attract even more traffic to an already traffic clogged area which is already served by a private car park," Mr Caccopardo said.

"The actual square should remain substantially as it is at present and enhanced further by planting more oak trees to replace those which died or went missing.”