Front Ħarsien ODZ is urging the Marsascala council to oppose the Żonqor development in the same way it objected to the Munxar area proposal for an ‘agritourism’ development covering 2,000 square metres on virgin land.

In a statement, the lobby group said it supported NGOs’ opposition to the development of agritourism on level 3 protected land, which serves as a buffer zone to an area of ecological importance.

The NGO welcomed the position of the Marsascala local council against the proposed development but said the council, and not only its Labour deputy mayor and Nationalist councillors, should also oppose the development of the “American non-University of Malta”, which will also be developed on ODZ land at Żonqor.

“The development, which includes a proposal for a pontoon for boats – it refers to beach clubs and includes a conference hall and a spa – looks more like a hotel than agritourism,” Front Ħarsien ODZ said.

“While we agree with Mepa’s director of planning that this development is a non-starter, any project or policy allowing commercial development in ODZ… should be considered a non-starter.

“We expect the Mepa director of planning to pronounce himself against any such development.”

The NGO strongly appealed to Mepa to immediately change its policies to forbid any tourist and other forms of accommodation on ODZ land and to grant greater protection of level 3 buffer zones.

Agritourism should be restricted to existing farm buildings in the countryside, it said.