The application was refused on the grounds that the area in question is one of ecological importance and also in view of development which is already underway in the vicinity.

During a discussion regarding the application, Director of Planning Godwin Cassar remarked that

80 per cent of the proposed

development was objectionable in principle.

The site is located outside the limits for development on the coastal cliffs at il-Mingel tal-Majjiesa in Ghajn Tuffieha. According to the report compiled by the planning directorate, the site also contains some Megalithic remains and cart ruts.

The report says that no consultations had been carried out because the development was not acceptable from the planning point of view. Moreover, applications for development relating to tourism are not normally considered until a Tourism Compliance Certificate has been obtained from the Malta Tourism Authority. No compliance certificate was submitted with this application.

The directorate concluded its report by stating that the proposed development is located outside the development zone in an area noted for its ecological, landscape, archaeological and cultural heritage value. It said the proposed development would adversely affect the natural environment of the area, since the site is scientifically and geomorphologically significant.

The directorate’s recommendation to refuse the application was upheld by the majority of the Mepa board.

Meanwhile, later yesterday morning, the board gave the go-ahead for amended plans on one of the phases of the Tignè Point project in Sliema.

The full development permission for the Tignè Plaza Phase has already been issued. The application approved yesterday proposed changes to the uses of the blocks surrounding the piazza, a lateral extension of the underground levels and the inclusion of an additional underground parking level.

In a nutshell, the application proposed a reduction in the net commercial area, elimination of the office accommodation, an increase in the number of apartments and an increase in the number of parking spaces.