The Malta Environment and Planning Authority board yesterday approved an application to make alterations to the plan for the Fort Chambray Development in Mgarr, Gozo.

The board unanimously approved three alterations. The first is to the underground car park due to the discovery of a man made tunnel. Preliminary investigations surmised that the tunnel was one of historical importance and some 92 car parking spaces were lost as a result. This has led to the developer requesting the alteration of plans to fit accordingly.

However, project architect David Drago said that the passage had many fissures in it and was unsafe. He also said that on closer examination the tunnel was increasingly showing signs that it was only some 40-50 years old. He said that in all probability, for safety and conservation reasons, the tunnel should be covered over and left in the state it was in.

The Mepa board said that the developer should put together a report on the matter and forward it to the board so as to decide on the best course of action.

A second alteration to the plan which was approved by the board was that certain trees had to be uprooted because they were not compatible with the local environment.

In addition, the amendment stipulated that the developer may not plant any more trees without having the approval of Mepa.

The board also approved some minor alterations to the apartment units within the site which were deemed to be acceptable. The board was now awaiting the report on the underground passage.