Alternattiva Demokratika Deputy Leader Carmel Cacopardo and FAA Coordinator Astrid Vella have hit out against a new policy that would allow homes for the elderly in urban areas to rise by a couple of floors.

As a result, the surrounding areas will witness increased traffic congestion, infrastructural pressure and other issues, they argued. In addition to this, no consultation was sought from medical healthcare professionals, which is unacceptable when one considers the detrimental health impacts this policy will have on the eldery, they said. It undermines the national urban policy plan, and goes against a national and sustainable strategy to mitigate urbanisation. It also goes against the National Health Policy, they added.

"In addition to difficulties caused by the direct impacts, MEPA is now bent on removing the protection of Grade 2 Scheduled properties. An example worth considering is the Mtarfa Hospital, which, notwithstanding that the consultation period came to an end yesterday, has been subject to a development application since June 2015 for the addition of a number of floors"

"The isolation Hospital was subject to a call for expression of interest last year subject to the rules and policies then applicable. The current process of policy revision which will make it possible to develop different proposals casts the whole expression of interest process in doubt as it places some of those who had an interest at a disadvantage".

"This is a clear indication that the land use planning policies are being used to the advantage of some particular individuals and not to improve the utilisation of land and buildings".

Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar maintained that this policy could have a widespread impact as, unlike hotels which are limited to tourist areas, retirement homes are set to spread over all Malta and Gozo. "We are also concerned by the effect that higher floors have on elderly residents". They argued that elderly homes should be smaller and spread out in the community, and such homes should not be large buildings that could lead to isolation.

Mrs Vella shed light on the number of studies which have been published internationally, where it was found that numerous homes for the elderly spread across a community is more beneficial than isolated retirement homes which resemble institutions. Apart from the integrational effect this has on the elderly, large retirement homes are considered to be unsafe in the event of a fire or an emergency.