Munxar, in the limits of Marsascala was a protected outside development zone and should remain in its natural state, the Marsascala council said today.

It said it believed the zone should be included in the Delimara Park to be enjoyed by the public.

A number of organisations on Wednesday echoed the concerns expressed by the Għaqda Bajja San Tumas regarding a proposal for “agro-tourism” development in the area saying that a project of over 2,000 square metres on virgin land defeated the very purpose of agro-tourism.

In its screening letter to the developers, the Planning Authority states that the site was within a very sensitive and scenic rural location and the proposed works would result in formalisation and uptake of land within a sensitive area.

This, it said, was not compatible with the conservation of the rural characteristics and scheduling status of the area.