The Mepa board has unanimously turned down an application for the demolition of a large town house in the heart of Balzan for its replacement with six terraced houses with underground parking and facilities including pools.

The application had been submitted by Charles Polidano.

The house is in Main Street and borders a lane.

Objectors, particularly neighbours, had argued that the planned development would mean the destruction of townscape features as well as open spaces and gardens which characterise this village. They also objected to the removal of the garden forming part of the existing property.

The developer's architects aid the development would bring the garden back to its splendour. He also pointed out that this was the fifth application for development of the site and the development would e smaller than originally planned.

Some 16 neighbours attended this morning's public meeting as well as conservation NGO Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar.

FAA coordinator Astrid Vella said that the fact that this property, known as Palazzo de Rohanhad been allowed to deteriorate by previous owners and developers was no justification for further degradation. Furthermore, the gardens formed an integral part of the property and Mepa rules laid down that such green enclaves should be protected.

The development of this site, she said, would set a precedent for other green enclaves elsewhere.

During the public meeting the Mepa Board also approved two proposed developments within the confines of the Valletta Waterfront. These included the development of a single storey shopping mall with an overlying multi-storey car park and the change of use of Pinto and Forni stores into catering facilities, offices and a multi-purpose space.

The approved car park site will accommodate nearly 140 cars, while the design of building will replicate the existing design used throughout the development of the Waterfront project.