The residents claimed this excavation was being done illegally as the developers of the site “do not have a permit for phase 2 and 3 of the project.” Some residents also claimed that nobody from MEPA wanted to help them.

The residents said they reported this abuse to a MEPA official who in turn gave them reference number CM 1371. But the next morning the work continued, the residents again called the enforcement department at MEPA who informed them that the number did not even exist. They were later given the name of the area’s enforcement officer. After trying for hours to contact him they finally managed to speak with him at 1pm. He informed them that there was not much MEPA could do as the developers already had an outline permit but promised he would go and take a look the day after, Wednesday.

The residents asked: Why won’t MEPA take action against the developer – because they are well-known entrepreneurs? “Isn't everyone equal before the law?” the residents asked

This stretch of land was made a white area to act as a buffer zone between the bungalows of Santa Maria Estate and the terraced houses of Tas Sellum. The area was also scheduled as a site of ecological importance Grade 2.

Now the bulldozers are making way for 118 apartments which will dwarf Santa Maria Estate, the residents claimed.

Previously, the residents had contacted the Mellieha local council to inquire why the council has not objected to this development.

The council informed them that the there was nothing they could do and that the residents’ disapproval of this development had to be taken up with MEPA.

However, MEPA had in fact consulted with the council and the council’s proposal was quite astounding, according to the residents. The Mellieha local council asked the developers to give a contribution of no less than Lm 8,000 for the embellishment of a playing field.

The residents asked: Have the council members realised how the development is going to ruin the last bit of countryside left in this area? Have the councillors considered the residents of this estate? How they are only allowed to build one storey bungalows while four metres away they are going to be overshadowed with three to six storeys blocks of flats with windows and balconies overlooking their houses? Before setting a price for its approval, had the council given thought to safety considerations? This area is made of blue clay and when excavations start the bungalows will certainly sustain huge architectural damage which could endanger the lives of the residents. One resident had to move out of his house as it is in danger of collapsing. Isn't this why the residents elect councillors, to represent our interests?

The council, the residents said, should not be run as a business. It has a moral and social obligation to look after the area it governs, especially the residents who live there. Why did the council not consult with them before putting a price tag on its approval for this development?

This site was a scheduled area of ecological importance at level 2 and its size has been reduced on two separate occasions by MEPA.

If the council thinks it has made a killing by getting Lm8,000 then it should think again, the residents said. The developers must be laughing at the council. With a price tag (www.homesofquality.com) of Lm250,000 per apartment, what the council got for its approval was a pittance.