The Mepa board this afternoon unanimously decided to maintain heritage protection for Villa Mekrech in Ghaxaq despite a request for de-scheduling to permit the building of six apartments in its garden.
The board is still considering a similar request for Palazzo Giannin, also in Ghaxaq.
Flimkien ghal-Ambjent, the NGO which campaigned for preservation, argued before the board that granting the permits would violate the South Malta Local Plan.
FAA coordinator Astrid Vella said this development would destroy many mature trees and increase the flooding problem in the areas.
David Zammit one of the owners of Villa Mekrech garden said his patch was surrounded by properties several storeys high, one of which was less than three metres form his land and overshadowed the bulk of his property.
"This is like having a vintage car with three wheels, I can’t enjoy it as it is and I would like to be able to get something out of it."
They also voted unanimously to maintain the protection of Palazzo Giannin.
FAA spokesman Antonio Anastasi presented the board with a petition to maintain scheduling, signed by 850 people. The board, however, did not acknowledge the petition as it had been submitted after the meeting had already begun.
Mr Anastasi said the petition had been collected in just five days and that further interest in protecting the garden was clear from the public outrage of Ghaxaq residents.