Front Harsien ODZ is calling for a transparent site selection exercise for Enemed's new fuel depot, proposed over 6000 square meters of woodland and agricultural land.

"We support the re-location of Enemed's fuel storage facilities from Qajjenza in Birzebbuga to another site due to its proximity to a residential area but we are concerned about development on an area designated for its high landscape value and scientific importance," the Front said.

While noting that a project development statement (PDS) presented to MEPA by Enemed refers to alternative sites, the Front said that the site selection study should be based on terms of reference issued by the Malta Environment and Resources Authority and the Planning Authority.

"A planning application for this development should only have been presented after the conclusion of such a study and after full consultation with the local communities involved. The terms of reference should also give priority to brown-field sites and disturbed land over agricultural and ecologically valuable land."

The Front also expressed its satisfaction that the Gudja council has remained consistent with its stance expressed in 2005 when a similar proposal was made by the previous administration and subsequently dropped.