Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar has expressed 'grave concern' over an application, recommended for approval, for a mega-development between Villa Rosa and the current site of the ITS in St George's Bay.

The Planning Authority will decide on the application on Thursday.

The environment NGO said the development could lead to irreparable damage to the supposedly protected Ghar Harq Hammiem, which is near by.

Għar Ħarq Ħammiem is Malta’s largest underground cave, believed to be roughly the size of the Mosta dome. The cave was formed during the last ice age and is scheduled as an Area of Ecological Importance, Site of Scientific Importance and a Special Area of conservation, the FAA said.

A 2015 geological survey by geologist Peter Gatt found indications that the cave complex may extend over a larger area than currently thought.

The FAA said the proposed project forms part of the enormous redevelopment of the Villa Rosa site that will also include the demolition of the two storey Dolphin and Moynihan Houses.

"The destruction of these properties, from the 1860s, found just above the underground cave complex is a condemnable act against the protection of our heritage in itself," FAA said.

The application also includes a request for an additional block encroaching on the rocky foreshore at Cresta Quay, with the project effectively enclosing the St George's Bay from all fronts.  '

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