Controversial plans to turn the Carmelite priory garden in Balluta into a supermarket are being strongly opposed by the Archbishop who is not ruling out legal proceedings to stop the development.

Mgr Charles Scicluna told The Sunday Times of Malta he is “dead set against” the development application submitted last August to build an underground three-storey car park, a supermarket at ground floor level and overlying offices on the first floor to be located in the priory’s garden.

The proposal is being opposed by residents who are concerned about traffic congestion. The proposed car park entrance for the supermarket is on one of the busiest roads in Sliema, right next to a bend in the street, with traffic lights in constant use by pedestrians, and a bus stop.

A petition opposing this development has already collected close to 400 signatures. And the Archbishop has echoed the residents’ concerns.

The Archbishop's stand suggests strained relations between the Archdiocese and the Carmelite order, which it seems had leased the land, on this project.

The application was filed by a private investor.

Read more in The Sunday Times of Malta.