In 1970, I moved my family from the south to Xemxija as I fell in love with the area and the terraced houses overlooking Shipwreck Promenade and Fekruna Bay. The following year, I was involved in the opening of the first phase of Mistra Village, one of the very few areas planned as a whole concept.

When the Corinthia Group took over Mistra Village and expanded it to its present size,

I was responsible for the façades at the village entrance with the traditional wooden balconies and rubble wall pathways.

Through these years, as a permanent resident at Xemxija, I have seen the development of the upper Xemxija, once called Fondatore Heights. Here I have witnessed the Malta Environment and Planning Authority at its worst.

A confusion of bungalows, houses, villas, high rise straight and high rise terraced blocks, all built at any angle the respective plots permitted, with absolutely no consideration for each adjoining building. I have also witnessed the pulling down of an ugly church and the rebuilding of a pleasant one, only to be allowed to be overshadowed by a block of flats.

And now Mistra Village with its open spaces, pathways, greenery and pools, is to be pulled down. It was originally intended that it was to be replaced by another planned but high rise village.

Now it seems that the whole area is being sold as individual plots. Mepa, please, please do not repeat your past mistakes. Ensure that there is a holistic approach in the area's re-planning.

Do leave some open spaces for us and nature's greenery to breathe.