The Mepa Planning Appeals Board has confirmed a DCC decision to refuse permission for the construction of a block of flats at the Wied tal-Madonna in Mellieha.
The construction would have spanned across the valley cutting off the water course.
Residents present for the meeting were delighted with the decision.
"After almost six years of arguing against this development we are glad that the valley has been saved. It is the only natural open space in the middle of Mellieha," a resident told timesofmalta.com.