Pembroke residents are gearing up for a protest against the proposed development of a private school on public land.

The residents will meet on August 8 at 6pm, next to an existing primary school on Gabriele Henin Street, which could soon be the site of a second school at the other end.

The proposed project by CHS (Chiswick House School) Limited could result in the construction of a new primary school with 36 classrooms and outdoor sport facilities.

Read: Chiswick School wants ‘equitable solution’ to Pembroke development plans

The earmarked site falls within the development zone but is as yet untouched.

In May, CHS informed the government that it would be submitting an outline proposal on public land. In accordance with standard procedure, the Lands Authority will first evaluate the land, then the request will be discussed at board level.

The final say will come through a parliamentary resolution, sources have told this newspaper.

They have filed more than 200 representations with the PA

When contacted, the Infrastructure Ministry said that the request from Chiswick House School was at the very early stage and before any decision could be taken, the applicants would have to go through normal application procedures, both at the Lands Authority and the Planning Authority.

Last week, CHSMC Director Bernie Mizzi told this newspaper that Chiswick House School will remain in constant consultation with the authorities and all interested parties to “ensure that an equitable solution is found”.

But residents are stepping up the pressure, and more than 200 representations have been filed with the Planning Authority.

The private school’s learning pods, as seen in the master plan filed with the Planning Authority.

They will now be staging a protest and are calling on the public to bring flags and balloons to participate with them.

Residents who spoke to this newspaper insisted that the unbuilt site was “one of the last remaining open spots in the area” and the project would only increase the existing traffic.

A Facebook page called Leave Pembroke Alone has also been created to oppose the proposed development and has nearly 700 members so far.

The local council has meanwhile objected to the construction of the private school, while in an opinion piece in this newspaper, University of Malta lecturer Adrian Grima called on Chiswick School to make a more informed and sustainable choice.

Dr Grima noted that the population of children nationwide has decreased dramatically and Chiswick might want to look at buildings that are no longer being used, giving them a new lease of life.