The Sliema Residents' Association warned today that the proposed development of  the area of the Forestals outlet on the Gzira-Sliema strand will close off the neighbours with an 11-storey high bastion-like structure.

Mepa is due to consider the proposal next week.

The development will replace the last long stretch of low lying buildings in the Forestals area from the Charella Home for the Elderly to the junction of Sacro Cuor Street.

The application has been recommended for the granting of planning permission by the Mepa Case Officer who, the association said, "has tried to dismiss the hundreds of objections raised by the locals." 

"These applications breach several Mepa policies and will detract from the architectural glory and surviving heritage of two adjacent scheduled sites - namely Villa Bonici and Belvedere Terrace.

"This new development will create over 100 apartments (of 2 and 3 bedrooms each) yet no Environment Impact Assessment has been commissioned to study the problems such a massive development will have on the area and on the already chaotic traffic situation," the SRA said.

"Sliema is already plagued with excessive pollution, congestion, noise, overpopulation, lack of fresh air, loss of privacy and gardens etc. so why cram more into an already congested city? On the contrary, Sliema requires more open spaces - not more housing and commercial units – many of which stand empty."

Part of the area earmarked for development. (SRA File picture)