Despite having received over 500 objections from residents and eNGOs, the Planning Authority today approved the demolition of a traditional farmhouse right in the village core of the Zebbug Square, Gozo, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar noted this evening.

According to the FAA, "The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage ignored residents and eNGOs warnings and made no efforts to oppose this development."

Constructed in the vernacular style with timber beams and stone slab ceilings, and an arched loggia, this building should have been protected under current planning policies. In fact, because of its village core status the Planning Authority could have barely allowed changes to the facade, let alone approve its complete demolition. 

"If rehabilitated this farmhouse would have been a unique chance for tourists to experience real Maltese architecture. Instead, the developers will demolish it and replace it with small concrete rooms masked with a fake facade, giving tourists nothing more than a cheap imitation. 

"The Planning Authority keeps affirming its apparent determination to ruin Malta with each decision taken, and now with little left to demolish here, the same faith seems to have been decided for Gozo. It is shameful that with such destructive decisions they can still claim to have the nations interest at heart."