Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party said that the proposed development in Ta’ Masrija, Mellieħa, should be refused as it violates public policy on alternative energy use.

Carmel Cacopardo, AD spokesman on sustainable development and home affairs has presented submissions to Mepa after the Environment Planning Statement relative to the Ta’ Masrija Development in Mellieħa was amended to reflect the amended drawings submitted by the developers.

The submissions refer to applications PA2761/06, PA1927/06, PA1302/06. In its submissions AD said: “Through the application of the Floor Area Ratio, the new submissions in respect of the above three applications will create overshadowing on existing residences which have been developed within the existing height limitations.

“This will reduce substantially the possibility of making use of appropriate installations on the rooftops of the said dwellings to capture sunlight for heating water through solar water heaters as well as to generate electricity through photovoltaic panels.

“This runs counter to current public policy which seeks to encourage the reduction of Malta’s carbon footprint through utilisation of alternative energy sources.

“By reducing the potential of residences in the area to utilise direct sunlight, the proposal for development as per applications PA2761/06, PA1927/06, PA1302/06 will increase the dependence of the said residences on energy generated through fossil fuels and consequently their energy bills.

“This will as a result reduce the value of the said property and transfer the said reduction in value to the new development. In addition, the proposed development will increase substantially light pollution in the area which lies on the periphery of the development zone.”

Michael Briguglio, AD chairperson, said: “If Mepa is to be taken seriously on its environmental credentials it should refuse the proposed applications. Development which reduces the possibility for alternative energy use is unsustainable and should be refused outright.”