A consultation meeting was organised on Wednesday evening by Sannat residents to air their views on the future of the Ta’ Cenc area, which has been earmarked for development.
The meeting was originally to be held at Sannat primary school, but at the last minute the organisers were told that they did not have the necessary permit.
Sannat resident Kate Nielsen explained that political parties and NGOs had been invited to the meeting, the main item on the agenda of which was to provide residents with information about the proposed development at Ta’ Cenc.
The plans for the proposed development are available at the local council offices and have been closely examined by a number of residents.
The development is comprised of eight sectors. The first area will hold the restructured Ta’ Cenc hotel, which will be upgraded to 80 bedrooms.
Another phase of the project includes the construction of 57 villas over a period of eight years. An area of one tumolo is reserved for each villa.
The developer is also proposing the construction of 49 bungalows and houses, from the bridge to the reservoir. This phase will cover 20 per cent of the available area.
Also included in the plan is the construction of two nine-hole golf courses.
A heritage park open to the public and tourists during the day is also being planned. Admission will be free of charge.
Although all the political parties were invited to the meeting only representatives of the Green Party (Alternattiva Demokratika) attended.
The deadline for the consultation period by the Malta and Environment Planning Authority (Mepa) was extended from 6 January to 20 January and residents were encouraged to put forward their suggestions and complaints before the deadline.
Sannat mayor Charles Camilleri said that those residents who would like to put forward their suggestions could leave them at the local council. These would then be forwarded to Mepa.
Ms Nielsen encouraged all the residents who are interested in the proposals to go to the local council offices and examine the plans.
“It is important for all Sannat residents to sustain the effort and interest to save this land,” she said.