Mepa approved the contentious development of a mega block of apartments in the narrow Zbibu Lane in San Gwann at a public hearing earlier today sparking outrage from residents who objected to the development.
Residents and NGO Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar objected to the development claiming it was too large for the area and would cause unnecessary traffic and pollution as well as destroy an environmental and archaeological "gold mine".
The collective of residents who sat in on the hearing carried posters featuring different slogans protesting the development. "No more Mepa" and Ambjent dizastru (disastrous environment).
The project was voted in by the Mepa board with 12 votes in favour and one against.
Project architect David Vella said that the plans had changed since the original application had been filed in 2004.
He said the new project had taken into account the aesthetic concerns raised in a public hearing last month.
The new plans feature a terraced design and curved facade. The development, by San Gwann Ltd, will include 60 apartments on four storeys and a semi-basement.
The project was in line with planning policies and the development would consist of three blocks with a private road in between, Mr Vella said, adding that had the plot been built in a piecemeal approach, there would have been around 74 apartments.
An objection was originally filed when an application for a full development permit was submitted in 2008. It was argued at the time that the development would disturb the remains of a battery used during the Anglo-Franco siege of Valletta in 1798-1800. These were fortified rubble walls going down all the way to Zammit Clapp Hospital, the architect said.
The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, however, found that the the site contained no archaeological features requiring preservation other than curt ruts, which the development would preserve.
The original plans were also altered to ensure no supporting structures would be built above the subterranean war shelter.
Residents voiced concerns that the development would create serious traffic congestion along the narrow street.
A traffic impact report was submitted to the transport authority and it was decided that the developer would have to contribute €25,000 towards the upgrade of Kappara junction.
Resident Janet Tanti insisted the project would make the narrow lane inaccessible to emergency services.
"What if there is a fire or an accident, what will happen then?" Ms Vella, her self an ambulance driver, said.
Mr Vella, however, insisted the development provided an adequate turning circle for heavy vehicles adding that other emergency vehicles could access the development from Birkirkara Road.
Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar member Astrid Vella insisted the planning authority had a responsibility to protect society from "creeping development".
"Mepa should protect society, a community is being threatened here," Ms Vella lamented.