Residents feel frustrated by the fact that a developer continues to apply for development in a scheduled and protected zone of natural beauty between Triq it-Tonn and the foreshore at St Paul's Bay, when several similar applications have been refused.

The fact that Mepa accepts such applications is absurd, because they should not even be considered in the first place, even more so when they have already been previously refused. Actually, hefty fees should be imposed on those who apply for development in scheduled and protected zones. Acceptance of such applications ultimately results in waste of time and resources because of procedures, board meetings, site inspections, preparation of reports etc. that Mepa has to perform. In fact, on May 16, an Appeals Board is to decide on a similar application no. 04286/99. If the suggestion mentioned above is applied, no time is wasted and such boards can concentrate on other things, besides saving public money which can be utilised for better causes.

It seems that the developer is playing with time and waiting for the right opportunity.

I would appreciate it if Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, who is now responsible for Mepa and taking the environmental issue very seriously, were to take a personal interest and see that no development is permitted in this scheduled and protected site.

Unless it is for the benefit of the Maltese people (and not for a particular individual) applications inside these zones should not be considered, and due consideration should be given to this issue in the Mepa reform.