Front Ħarsien ODZ has urged the Marsascala council to also oppose the Zonqor development the same way it objected to the Munxar area proposal unless the whole issue will resemble a "theatre of the absurd".

A proposal has surfaced for an "agro-tourism" development in the Munxar area covering 2,000 square metres on virgin land.

In a statement, Front Ħarsien ODZ said it supported NGOs opposition to the development of agro tourism on Level 3 protected land which serves as a buffer zone to an Area of Ecological Importance.

The NGO welcomed the position of Marsascala local council against the proposed development but said that the local council, and not only its Labour deputy mayor and Nationalist councillors should also oppose the development of the so-called American non-University of Malta, which will also be developed on ODZ land at Zonqor.

"The development which includes a proposal of a pantoon for boats, refers to beach clubs and includes a conference hall and a spa, looks more like a hotel than an agro tourism, " said Front Ħarsien ODZ, which described the development as a caricature of the rural policy approved in 2014.

"But in many ways the project is also a consequence of this policy."

"While we agree with Mepa's director of planning that this development is a non-starter, any project or policy allowing commercial development in the ODZ, particularly in designated national parks like the Sadeen development in Zonqor point or in Level 2 and Level 3 protected areas like Munxar should be considered a non starter. We expect the MEPA director of planning to pronounce himself against any such development."

The NGO strongly appealed to Mepa to immediately change its policies to forbid any tourist and other forms of accommodation on ODZ land and to grant greater protection of Level 3 buffer zones.

Agro tourism should be restricted to existing farm buildings in the countryside.