Alternattiva Demokratika has submitted objections to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority over the proposed marina development at Ħondoq ir-Rummien in Qala.

Should the proposed development be approved, it would result in irreversible ecological damage and a loss of public land and bathing areas for private business interests, AD chairman Michael Briguglio warned.

Much of the swimming area would be lost in order to give way to a yacht marina, due to access of boats and pollution of sea water. The environmental impact assessment should take such factors into account, he said.

AD sustainable development spokesman Carmel Cacopardo added that the proposed development was another case of more land speculation, with the only beneficiaries being the land owners.

AD's Gozo spokesman Victor Galea said the party believed the derelict Ħondoq ir-Rummien quarry should be transformed into a park complemented by an afforestation project.