Moviment Graffitti said Saturday it is supporting Xemxija residents as they oppose yet another mega development in their locality.

The residents and other activists, together with the St Paul's Bay local council, gathered on site to protest against the development.

A 13-storey tower (PA/00865/24) is proposed on protected garigue and very close to established cart ruts, with this monster development also endangering the Roman Baths that are found right below the area in question, where a new road is proposed in order to deal with the massive influx of apartments.

Xemxija residents are already facing the construction of another massive development at the ex-Mistra Village site, where 4 huge towers are proposed with over 700 apartments, with excavation works having started despite the Court having upheld the residents’ appeal of the permit. If the 13-storey tower proposal were to go through, over 1,000 apartments would be built at the same time in this very small town, a statement issued on Saturday by Graffitti said.

Another concern for residents is the lack of infrastructure in place to handle these 1000 apartments. There are only 2 very narrow and steep roads in and out of Xemxija, making an influx of 1,000 apartments along the same roads, and at one go, almost unimaginable for the residents of the area.

The site is also home to a population of hedgehogs, along with protected orchids and wild thyme among many other characteristic Maltese flora and fauna, including the Maltese honey bee.

Therefore, "we urge the Planning Authority to refuse this application as it stands," the activists said. Another monster development would continue to add to the copious amounts of noise, dust, traffic, and stress that the residents of the area face daily on a massive scale, considering the size and scope of the ongoing Mistra development and this new development were it to be approved.

"We also urge the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage to take a stand against this application which, if approved, will impose on the context of the cart ruts, currently surrounded by natural garigue, and which will instead be surrounded by man-made landscaping and tall buildings. The Roman Baths in the area lie just under where this proposed development is, and the extensive works proposed, including excavating to make an underground car park will put this valuable site at major risk," the statement said.

"Finally, we also urge the Government to protect the land for the common benefit of residents and ensure public access, preserving the cultural and natural heritage for generations to come, and preserving the open space there already is.

The public is invited to send their objection to the proposed development. Instructions can be found on the Moviment Graffitti Facebook Page.

The organisations that participated in the Press Conference were:

St. Paul’s Bay Local Council

Moviment Graffitti

Friends of the Earth Malta

Għawdix

Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar

Nature Trust – FEE Malta

Din l-Art Ħelwa

Ramblers’ Association Malta

BirdLife Malta

 

Photo credit: The Critical Angle Project.