Developers of controversial Quad highrises in Mrieħel have applied for a lateral extension to the project despite the fact that the case is still under appeal, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar revealed on Monday.

"The photo-montages produced for the lateral extension contrast greatly with the photo-montages of the original development filed by the very same consultants, now showing the true massive impact on the historic viewpoints of Mdina from Valletta. This confirms eNGOS claims that the original photo-montages did not give a true picture of the development," the NGO said.

Throughout the appeal the developers have insisted that the 4 tower blocks would have a minimal visual impact.

"FAA asks why these photo-montages were never presented before the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal and why the public's right to full, transparent and accurate information was so contemptuously dismissed."

This is not the first time that the FAA has challenged the photomontages; in 2016, it was one of four NGOs, with Din l-Art Ħelwa, Friends of the Earth Malta, and Ramblers Association, which had lamented that in spite of detailed and valid objections presented by residents, NGOs and experts in the field, the Planning Authority board approved the proposals submitted by Gasan and Tumas Groups.

Read: Decision on high rise buildings proves urgency for national masterplan - NGOs

The project was launched over the weekend.