The Sliema Residents' Association has objected to applications submitted to Mepa for the demolition of premises at Forestals and adjacent buildings and their substitution with commercial and residential buildings and garages.

"This site is the last remaining area with access to the sea front which has not risen to eight floors (plus semi-basement and penthouse) like the rest of the coastal area from Gzira, all the way around the whole of Sliema up to St Julians. This gap in this high rise cordon gives some breathing space to the residents living within this barrier, allowing fresh wind to clear the inner town areas from the stifling summer heat and in turn lowering the day and night time temperatures," the association said.

"Raising this last part of low rise buildings will choke the Villa Bonici area which, if preserved, can serve as the last open space within Sliema to serve residents for recreational purposes. This open space also provides vistas for the people living in the Savoy area."

The association said Sliema already had a high dwelling density.

"While the Local Plan policies aim at improving localities, MEPA's recent approval of more mega-projects has done just the opposite," the association complained.

It said an Environmental Impact Assessment should be carried out for such a development in an already congested area, taking into account the new housing units that have been built in all of Sliema and Gzira, together with the other mega projects, namely Tigne Point, Fort Cambridge, Town Square, Piazzetta, Manoel Island, Galaxy Complex, Savoy Gardens and the Metropolis complex, that are either built or are in the planning stage.

A Social Impact Assessment based on comprehensive surveys and sociological analysis through proper public consultation should form an essential part of this EIA, the association said.