AD’s environment and rural affairs spokesman Mark Causon said: “The proposed development will reduce the size of one of the few open spaces in Sliema. The Qui-si-Sana garden should be embellished with more trees and related items such as benches, gazebos and playing areas for children. This sort of development makes more sense in a quiet residential area than the development of commercial outlets.”

Mr Causon said that the proposed development, which includes leisure facilities and commercial outlets, will not only result in a loss of open space for the area’s residents but will also generate noise, traffic, smells and other inconveniences in what has been up to now a quiet residential area. This will have a negative impact on the quality of life of Qui-si-Sana residents, he said.

The proposed construction of outlets above ground goes against the development brief and is therefore unacceptable. AD is also objecting to the part of the development brief which says that the developer can make a change of use, as this could allow the developer to transform the original permit for a car park to some other project.

It says that the impact of the proposed car park on the quality of life of Qui-si-Sana residents should also be considered, especially bearing in mind that the MIDI development also includes the development of a car park just a few metres away.

“The proposed development of commercial outlets in Qui-si-Sana makes little sense when one considers that the MIDI and town square development include various commercial amenities,” said Mr Causon.

In order to improve the quality of life of Qui-si-Sana residents, AD is also proposing the construction of a tunnel extension connecting MIDI’s tunnel to the beginning of the road in Qui-si-Sana, which “will reduce pollution and will also reduce the flow of traffic in this residential area.” AD said it is disappointed by the fact that there has been no public consultation.

“AD is supporting Sliema local council which is objecting to proposed development in the garden. AD has a track record of defending open spaces in Sliema. Last year we supported Sliema residents in defending the area known as the Pjazzetta.

“We will show the same determination to defend the tranquility and the quality of life of Qui-si-Sana residents,” Mr Causon

concluded.