Updated - adds project details, Mepa explanation - Alternattiva Demokratika today urged Mepa to refuse an application, due to be discussed at a public meeting tomorrow, for an extension of Portomaso.

The developers are proposing to develop a stretch of land adjacent to the southern block of the Portomaso Complex between Spinola Road, the edge of the existing marina and the foreshore.

The project will feature a central lagoon which will not be linked to the sea or the neighbouring marina. There will be 46 dwellings and 98 parking spaces.

The developers says the roof of the residential units will be landscaped in order to safeguard the views from overlying Portomaso apartments.

Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson, said residents at Qaliet and Paceville had been suffering stress and discomfort due to over-development in the area.

"The area is already overdeveloped especially due to Portomaso, which has been developed in excess of its original approval in 1995." He said the extension proposals totally disregarded the Environment Impact Assessment of the project which had called for protection of the area in question. The developers were responsible for the conservation of the two species (Wedgefoot Grass and Maltese Sea Camomile), "one of which has already disappeared", he said.

A Mepa spokesman said tomorrow's public meeting is part of the public consultation process related to the EIA process of this application.

At this public meeting the applicant and his consultants present to the public their findings and conclusions associated with the EIA for this development application. The comments and submissions of those present will be recorded and noted as part of the public consultation process.

"The Environment Impact Statement (EIS) presented by the applicant will then be reviewed by the Environment Protection Directorate who in turn will publish a report with its recommendations prior to the Planning Directorate's report getting concluded and published."

This new procedure was introduced over the past weeks and is aimed at increasing the public's perception that the EIA process is fairer, more transparent and safeguarded from undue bias.

"The Authority will be adequately assessing all the environmental implications and pressures that this proposed project can create prior to making any decision," the spokesman said.