On Friday many eyes will be set on Mepa when it comes to consider appeal number 92/04.

This appeal was lodged following the refusal of application PA4286/99, which sought to construct 15 apartments on eight floors and two underlying levels of garages at basement level in an outside development zone (ODZ) area at St Paul's Bay.

The proposed development falls right in the middle of the environmentally protected area that lies between Triq it-Tonn and the foreshore.

This area is the only remaining undeveloped coastal land in St Paul's Bay.

It has been designated as an area of ecological importance and high landscape value in view of the presence of cart ruts, an ancient quarry, a World War II defence beach post as well as coastal cliffs. There is also a 15th century Dejma guard tower, which is the oldest standing building in St Paul's Bay.

Residents, the local council and various NGOs have objected to this proposed development, whose developer had over the years submitted four other applications on other parts of the same environmentally protected area.

Environmentally and logically, the latest appeal should be a straightforward case for dismissal. However, Mepa has unfortunately become notorious for controversial and shocking decisions that are way off its mission statement 'to cherish our environment and plan to nurture it'.

Friday's appeal hearing is a test and an opportunity for Mepa to start to regain the credibility it has lost due to recent well-documented blunders. May the outcome of this test be a sign that the reform within Mepa has finally begun.