Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar and Alternattiva Demokratika yesterday condemned the St Julian's council's decision to press ahead with plans to build a car park in Balluta Square.

FAA said it deplored the fact that the project was not discussed with local residents before a decision was taken.

It called on the authorities to issue an emergency conservation order to protect the old trees in the square.

It also requested the designation of a protective buffer zone around Balluta Buildings.

"Balluta Square is one of the few open spaces available to St Julian's residents, offering pleasant shade beneath the trees' spreading canopy," it said.

Some of the trees that may be jeopardised by the project are old protected Maltese oak trees (ballut), which gave the square and the locality its name.

"Too many established protected trees in the area have already been cut down to make way for large-scale developments along Balluta valley; projects which only take into account commercialisation, and fail miserably to consider any social and ecological negative impact," the NGO said.

Alternattiva Demokratika also expressed its opposition to proposals to build a car park.

AD spokesman on sustainable development Carmel Cacopardo said all plans should be published and adequate public consultation should be carried out before taking the decision to go ahead with the project.

"AD agrees with residents that Balluta Square is unique and must be preserved. Residents, their guests and visitors should be able to continue enjoying one of the few open spaces in the area.

A car park will attract even more traffic to an already traffic clogged area which is already served by a private car park," he said.