The Mepa board this morning granted the full development permit for an extension of quays and the ship manoeuvring area at Malta Freeport.

The permit was granted despite objections by Birzebbuga Council and the Birzebbuga Environment Action Group, who complained of increased noise and pollution to the detriment of residents.

The permit covers the third and final phase of an upgrading of Malta Freeport and features land reclamation for an extension of Terminal 2 North and West quays to provide space for the storage of 900 containers.

The development will take place within the confines of the freeport. The North quay will be extended by 208m while the west quay will be extended by 194m. The reclaimed area will be some 25,500 square metres.

During this morning's meeting, the board heard that the Mepa Environment Protection Directorate is holding monthly meetings with the freeport, Birzebbuga council and the Environment Action Group as part of an encironment programme for Birzebbuga, which includes measures to reduce noise and light pollution.