Protection of the boundary protecting Ta’ Hagrat Neolithic Temples in Mgarr has been temporarily extended to its highest level through an emergency conservation order, the planning authority said.

It said in a statement the order, which covers an extended area of land in the vicinity of the temples, also includes the parcel of land which the government intended to expropriate.

Last month, the planning authority confirmed a permit for a villa to be built metres away from the site, saying it was not in breach of existing planning policies.

However, the government decided to expropriate the site following criticism from the PL's deputy leader, the Nationalist Party and environmental groups.

The authority issued the order after it was asked by the government to consider using this planning mechanism to protect the temples from any nearby development.

Through the order, which is valid for six months, further studies can be carried out before the area is scheduled. During the six-month period no development can take place on any site within the boundary.

The Ta’ Hagrat and Skorba Temples in Mgarr where granted a Class A scheduling by the authority in October 1998.