Another chapter was added to the turbulent Sant’Antnin recycling plant saga yesterday as the front opposing the development of the plant as proposed examined the plans for the first time.

The front’s technical consultant Architect Lino Bianco had been given the chance to examine the plans 24 hours prior to the Mepa hearing, which unanimously approved the project. However he had refused in protest. Yesterday the architect was handed the original seven plans submitted by the developer when applying for the permit.

Architect Bianco said: “They should not even be called plans, but maps as they look like your average pocket guide road map”. Three out of the seven maps were not to scale, while another three where of a big scale that according to the architect was not detailed as should be.

He also stated that a particular black-and-white-plan should have had a colour-coded breakdown of proposals and changes.

The architect wondered how from the initial seven plans the planning directorate ended up with 27 other plans. These other plans carry greater detail than the original ones.

In the 21 December hearing, Architect Bianco had pointed out that objectors should be notified of any changes made to the plans made by the developer. After asking the case officer whether the original plans were the same as those presented to the board, the officer had replied that they are “almost the same and the difference does not warrant a new consultation”. Architect Bianco reiterated that there have been un-notified changes to the plans. To substantiate his claim, he pointed out the changes in the traffic management plans.

The opposing front’s secretary Joe Sant said it is shameful that a national project was approved on plans which where not according to the usual practice. He claimed that in order to be given the permission to make an alteration in private premises, one must present a detailed documentation of the work, while the plant developers got through quite easily. He also accused the board of not examining the plans. “This shows why they had nothing to ask while we have found many new things to ask during our one-hour look at the plans,” said Mr Sant. Asked what will be the front’s next move, Mr Sant said the front will be taking the case to the EU and beyond.

Architect Bianco yesterday said he did not indicate Benghisa as one of the alternative sites to the Sant’Antnin Project, as reported by this newspaper on 22 December.