The proposed development at Wied il-Ghasel in Mosta is unsustainable, Alternattiva Demokratika said this morning.

Spokesman on sustainable development Carmel Cacopardo said there are many vacant properties in Mosta and there was no need for further development on a large scale.

The development permit for an existing building to be demolished and for a number of apartments, penthouses and garages to be developed in its stead should be withdrawn because the land for which the permit was issued was, in part, land which formed part of the ecological system associated with Wied il-Ghasel.

The development taking place on the site was destroying one of the few remaining open spaces close to the centre of Mosta.

He noted that the original application was for 24 apartments and a number of penthouses together with 26 garages and questioned the need for this type of massive development in Mosta when the 2005 census had already indicated that there were 1,151 vacant units in the locality.

During the news conference, AD's candidate for the Mosta council elections, Robert Callus, was also presented.

Mr Callus said the presence of AD on the Mosta council would mean that environmental issues would be placed on the council's agenda since these affected the quality of life of residents.

The building in Wied il-Ghasel meant the destruction of part of Mosta's natural heritage which the council was obliged to protect.

AD chairman Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson, said: "AD is four-square behind Harsien Patrimonju Mosta in its activism against the destruction of the concerned valley."