Lija residents are angry about plans to build a five-storey apartment block in a quiet area currently characterised by low-lying and well spaced-out villas.

Residents, with the support of their council, held a press conference on the site, close to the Lija Belvedere this morning, where they said the new development would forever alter the character of the area.

“This is like Sliema 40 years ago,” resident Robin Zammit said. “We don’t want another Sliema or Qawra on our hands; we want to keep the life of a quiet village.”

The Planning Authority will decide on the application, which includes 27 apartments over four floors as well as penthouses and basement areas, on Wednesday. The application has been recommended for approval.

“The high density population envisaged in the three blocks of flats applied for will be almost 50 per cent of the current village population, living in one per cent of the village surface area,” said Lija mayor Magda Magri Naudi.

Ms Magri Naudi said residents were also concerned over the increase in traffic congestion. According to the mayor, the parking provision for the development is less than one parking space for each apartment.

“The local council was not consulted before any changes regarding the height of buildings in this area came into force,” she said. “Residents are right complaining that this monstrosity will highly reduce the value of their property.”