“The proposed development of a high-rise development on Mellieha Ridge will create a huge and very visible eyesore which risks destroying further the aesthetic environment of the area after the serious planning mistakes committed on Mistra ridge. This type of development is unacceptable on a site which overlooks Mizieb Valley, an important conservation area which is also a Natura 2000 site.”
Dr Harry Vassallo was speaking at a joint press conference with residents of the Ta’ Masrija area in Mellieha.
Dr Vassallo said that AD and the residents are not opposed to the development being proposed on the site of a number of disused quarries in the area. However, the proposed massive high-rise development of 463 units is another example of an unsustainable development proposal, which is attempting to ride roughshod over the rights of the residents of the area.
Residents who attended the press conference pointed out that this development would completely change the height limitation of three storeys plus washroom currently prevailing in the area. In fact, the proposed development will, to all intents and purposes, include a high-rise building going up to 10 storeys from the highest street level.
They explained that the huge development will completely block off the sunlight to a large number of residents of the area and will impact directly on the privacy of a large number of residents.
Another issue raised was the fact that the increased traffic congestion coupled with an as yet undefined, commercial aspect proposed for the area, will mean added inconvenience for a large number of residents who are living in what is to date a purely residential area.
Dr Vassallo stated that MEPA seems to be aware of the serious impact that this development proposal may have since it has asked the developers to commission an Environment Impact Statement.
“MEPA has a chance to show that it is not a rubber stamp for all types of development at whatever cost. We are not saying that no development should be allowed in the area. However, it is very clear that the plans being proposed are unacceptable due to the negative visual, environmental and social impact they will have on the area. MEPA has a duty to insist on changes to the proposed plans that take into consideration these concerns,” continued Dr Vassallo.
He added that this is a serious issue because if this development proposal is accepted as proposed, it will open up Mellieha ridge for the development of further high-rise buildings, creating a highly visible visual and environmental nightmare.